Intersectionality in Higher Education Teaching

The concept of intersectionality describes how various forms of discrimination (based on a person’s race, gender, class, sexuality, disability or other aspects of identity) are connected to and affect each other. As such it acknowledges the complexity that results out of the diverse backgrounds, living realities and perspectives that students bring along. But what does this mean for teaching in higher education? How can intersectionality be acknowledged in teaching concepts?

In this workshop we will focus on intersectionality in teaching in various higher education disciplinary contexts. Specifically, we will elaborate and reflect on the importance of intersectionality and discuss examples of how to infuse intersectionality into course objectives, readings, and assignments. Further, we will reflect what resources and strategies are needed for incorporating intersectionality into teaching methodology. Finally, the workshop will provide space for participants to reflect on how to create inclusive learning environments. Here the focus will be laid on promoting diversity and inclusion in the classroom, creating safe spaces for marginalized students, and addressing issues of power and privilege in the classroom.

Please note: The workshop will start with a self-work phase in which we will work on the theoretical foundations of the concept of intersectionality. Inspired by the materials, we develop first broad ideas on how we can create safe spaces and inclusive learning environments for the students that fit both our perceived personal challenges and our teaching context. On this basis, we will continue in the face-to-face workshop to make these ideas and topics more concrete for implementation in teaching. We will do this in the knowledge that there are no patent remedies.

Aim of the workshop is to raise awareness of the importance of intersectionality in higher education teaching, to reflect on the power and privilege of one’s own teaching, to critically assess one’s own learning environment in terms of inclusion and exclusion of marginalized students, to critically reflect on intersectionality in the taught curriculum, and to develop ideas for integrating intersectional approaches into one’s own teaching.

The workshop is part of the InterHED project, offered by Prof. Liudvika Leišytė, professor of Higher Education at TU Dortmund University and Co-PI of the project in collaboration with Dr. Julia Mergner, research assistant at the Division of Academic Teaching & Faculty Development. The workshop will feature an exchange with NYU SPS I-LAB (Intersectionality Lab), which explores how inclusion and diversity intersect with teaching and research, supporting faculty at the New York University through events, consultations, and resources. During the workshop’s on-site day, participants will have the opportunity to exchange insights with the Intersectional Lab directly, and gain international perspectives on intersectional-sensitive teaching and learning practices.

The workshop is held in English.

Dates:
• April 9, 2025 (start of the self-work phase – 2 work units)
• April 23, 2025 | 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. (on-site)
• June 16, 2025 | 2.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. (online)