Accepting Multi-perspectivity and Critiquing Sources
How to teach the Middle East conflict
This lecture offers suggestions for source criticism and for dealing with contradictory perspectives for all those who thematise the Middle East conflict in teaching contexts.
Speaker’s Abstract:
Whether at university or in school, discussing the Middle East conflict with students always poses a challenge. Clashing perspectives and narratives, a multitude of sources, many of which are unreliable and highly biased, as well as emotional reactions to human suffering render nuanced debates difficult and further simplified black-and-white narratives. This lecture aims to provide guidance for university and school teachers looking for reliable sources which were compiled in accordance with academic standards. It also aims to overcome such simplified narratives by raising awareness for the complexity and diversity of Arab, Muslim, Israeli, Jewish perspectives on the conflict, its roots and its possible solutions. The lecture will also discuss strategies to cope with this complexity and diversity as well as to respect the victimhood and sensibilities of both sides.
- Referent:
Dr. Gilad Ben-Nun, Senior Research Fellow, Global and European Studies Institute, Leipzig University - Moderation:
Prof. Dr. Matthias Middell, Vice-Rector for Canpus development: Cooperation and Internationalisation
You can follow the event live on site or via ZOOM.
The event is part of the series The Middle East conflict in the context of changing global dynamics.
This lecture series analyzes the historical contexts of October 7, sheds light on the complexity as well as contrasting perspectives on the roots and causes of the conflict, and places developments in the Middle East in larger regional contexts.