EPISODE · Nov 10, 2023 · 57 MIN
Dr. Ron Hassner: Protecting Free Speech, Fostering Critical Thinking, and Promoting Respectful Dialogue on College Campuses
from Teach Your Kids · host Manisha Rose
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODETeach Your Kids: LinkedIn | Website | X | Instagram | Substack | Facebook | TikTokManisha: LinkedIn | X | Instagram | FacebookDr. Ron Hassner: Website | Email | UC Berkeley Political ScienceJoin our premium community for expert support and advice on homeschooling“A Call for Community on Campus” Joint Statement by Professor Hassner and Professor BazianUniversity of California, Berkeley on LinkedIn: A call for community on campus Public Affairs ReleaseTeach Your Kids Podcast EpisodesDr. Gordon Neufeld on Redefining Parental Power & ConnectionTalking to Kids about War: Listening, Speaking, and Constructive ActionTeach Your Kids Blog PostsNurturing Critical Thinkers - Teach Your KidsBooks and ArticlesDr. Ron Hassner’s BooksAnatomy of TortureReligion on the BattlefieldReligion in the Military WorldwideWar on Sacred GroundsSurvey Unveiling Berkeley Undergraduates' Views on International Conflicts: Passion, ignorance, and teaching the Israeli-Palestinian conflict | Ron E. Hassner | The BlogsArabs and Israelis: Conflict and peacemaking in the Middle East - Abdel Monem Said Aly, Shai Feldman, Khalil Shikaki / California College Campuses Convulsed in Protest During Israel-Hamas War - The New York TimesOrganizationsBrandeis UniversityBerkeley UniversityThe Palestinian Centre for Rapprochement Between People (the organization where Manisha volunteered in 2001)Related ResourcesEye in the Sky (2015) - IMDbThis site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. Time Codes00:00:00 — Introduction: Manisha welcomes Dr. Ron Hassner00:02:30 — Dr. Hassner delves into his academic journey, shedding light on his passion for Israeli studies and conflict resolution00:05:00 — Exploring the unexpected value and potential of academic disagreements as a catalyst for deeper understanding 00:07:15 — Dr. Hassner recounts a significant event that shaped his approach to addressing contentious issues within academia00:10:00 — An in-depth discussion on how conflicting viewpoints in academia are inevitable and essential for intellectual growth00:15:00 — A conversation on the unique role universities play in mediating conflicts and fostering a culture of peace and dialogue00:18:45 — Examining how polarized environments affect academic discourse and the pursuit of truth00:20:30 — Dr. Hassner reflects on his experiences of working collaboratively with colleagues holding opposing viewpoints00:23:00 — A detailed analysis of a specific case study from Dr. Hassner's research, illustrating the complexities of academic debates00:28:30 — Navigating Ideological Differences: Strategies and approaches for handling ideological differences in academic settings for productive outcomes00:35:00 — A discussion on how to engage in productive academic conversations that bridge differences and foster learning00:40:00 — Concluding Thoughts: Key takeaways and reflections from the discussionThis podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education FundVELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at velaedfund.org.
What this episode covers
On October 12, 2023, after a violent incident on the Berkeley campus, an Israeli and a Palestinian professor who disagree vehemently came together to issue a call for respect and dignity on the Berkeley campus: Dr. Ron Hassner (Professor of Israel Studies) and Dr. Hatem Bazian (Lecturer of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures and Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies). In this episode, Manisha interviews Dr. Hassner about the events leading to this statement, the role of free speech on college campuses, and how he defines respect and dignity in difficult conversations. In this illuminating conversation, Hassner offers a nuanced perspective on how educators can navigate difficult conversations in the classroom through listening, self-reflection, and respectful inquiry. He cautions against what he sees as a dangerous trend of professors and graduate students getting involved in student protests and political actions and a cultural pattern where students complain of being “triggered” and ask for material to be watered down in the classroom. He highlights how, in an intellectual environment, it is impossible for everyone to agree, but the possibility for civil discourse can persist amidst strong differences. Hassner also offers invaluable advice to parents who wish to foster critical thinking in their children and teens. Hassner and Bazian’s brave statement offers hope for dialogue and intellectual discourse in these polarized times, where so many are navigating trauma and confusion surrounding global conflict. Dr. Ron Hassner, Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley, is a renowned scholar in religion and conflict. Holding the prestigious Chancellor's Chair and the Helen Diller Family Chair in Israel Studies, Hassner's academic journey is distinguished by a B.Sc. from the London School of Economics and advanced degrees from Columbia and Stanford Universities, culminating in a Ph.D. from Stanford. His expertise, especially in the contentious realms of sacred spaces and military religions, is honored by Berkeley's "Distinguished Teaching Award" and accolades from the International Studies Association and the American Political Science Association. As the faculty director of the Helen Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies, Hassner continues to lead and innovate in the study of international disputes and ethical governance.
NOW PLAYING
Dr. Ron Hassner: Protecting Free Speech, Fostering Critical Thinking, and Promoting Respectful Dialogue on College Campuses
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.