How to teach international affairs in an era of flux

Six Canadian academics reflect on the challenges of teaching in a world of fast-paced news and distrust of sources.

Series Contributors:
The University of Toronto campus. REUTERS/Mark Blinch

In the fall of 2018, University of Northern British Columbia professor Heather Smith brought together a panel of international relations scholars at the annual meeting of the Prairie Political Science Association.

One of her requests to the five panel participants was that they share how they are teaching “Canada in the world,” particularly in the Trump era, which is perceived by many to be a time of considerable flux. A lively conversation ensued — one that she says was made richer by the academics’ different theoretical orientations, areas of expertise and lived experiences.

Following the event, Smith and the panellists reflected on teaching in general, and teaching about Canada in the world in an era of flux more specifically, for OpenCanada.org. Here are their thoughts — and advice for their colleagues.

In the series

Teaching in an Era of Flux: The classroom is now the Twitter antidote — a space for deeper learning

Teaching in an Era of Flux: The classroom is now the Twitter antidote — a space for deeper learning

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Six Canadian academics reflect on the challenges of teaching in a world of fast-paced news and distrust of sources.

Teaching in an Era of Flux: Foreign policy has always been messy — the key is to stay critical

Teaching in an Era of Flux: Foreign policy has always been messy — the key is to stay critical

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Six Canadian academics reflect on the challenges of teaching in a world of fast-paced news and distrust of sources.

Teaching in an Era of Flux: International norms and institutions, once a given, are now on shaky ground

Teaching in an Era of Flux: International norms and institutions, once a given, are now on shaky ground

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Six Canadian academics reflect on the challenges of teaching in a world of fast-paced news and distrust of sources.

Teaching in an Era of Flux: Canada may be a critical global actor, but other perspectives remain important

Teaching in an Era of Flux: Canada may be a critical global actor, but other perspectives remain important

By:

Six Canadian academics reflect on the challenges of teaching in a world of fast-paced news and distrust of sources.

Teaching in an Era of Flux: Students must be able to question the status quo

Teaching in an Era of Flux: Students must be able to question the status quo

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Six Canadian academics reflect on the challenges of teaching in a world of fast-paced news and distrust of sources.

Teaching in the Era of Flux: Accept the idea that teaching is political, not neutral

Teaching in the Era of Flux: Accept the idea that teaching is political, not neutral

By:

Six Canadian academics reflect on the challenges of teaching in a world of fast-paced news and distrust of sources.