Critical Whiteness and Anti-Racism Training

“Critical whiteness” is a term that we now read and hear all the time, but do we really know what it stands for? What does the term mean and what is critical whiteness good for? In this workshop, we will deal with the origin of critical whiteness research and discuss its relevance for our personal daily life. We will look at the social category of race and trace its origin, consider the effects of structural and institutional racism, and reflect on privileges that white people automatically enjoy, either consciously or unconsciously. Through group exercises, video analysis, and discussion, we will become aware of our self-perception, question stereotypes, and try to practice a change of perspective. We will address the discomfort that white people experience when confronted with (their own) racism (white fragility). Ideally, we will create a space for the respectful exchange of thoughts and ideas on an important current social topic and expand our awareness of the prerequisites for equal communication between people of different races, origins and identities.

Learning objectives:

• learning to deal with the concepts related to the social category of race
• recognizing racist social structures
• recognizing white privilege
• becoming aware of – and promoting – anti-racist thinking and actions

Course content:

• historical overview of critical whiteness research and racism
• exercises for reflecting on white privilege and discussion of white fragility
• discussions, analysis, and reflection of (unconscious) everyday racism

Please note: Block seminar – attendance is mandatory on both course dates!

Termin: Thu, 23.05.2019 and Fri, 24.05.2019, 10 am–3.30 pm
Ort: Rentzelstraße 17, conference room (ground floor)
Leitung: Kathrin Pollow, MA in history
Sprache: English

CIC: Can be recognized as Component A of the Certificate Intercultural Competence (CIC). This seminar will only be recognized for the CIC if students participate in both days of the training weekend.