Uncomfortable Conversation at Williams: Is it Possible?

The notion of “uncomfortable learning” has been part of the discussion of Williams pedagogy for close to 50 years.  But Williams has changed dramatically in the last few decades, and as events this fall have revealed, the concept of uncomfortable learning can have vastly different meanings to different people. As we discuss the various interpretations of the phrase, we also want to raise the question of whether “uncomfortable learning” or uncomfortable conversation, around deeply personal and/or identity-based topics, for example, is even possible at Williams? If so, what would those conversations look like? If not, what can we do to make such learning and conversations possible? Sponsored by the Gaudino Fund and Phi Beta Kappa.

Lee Snack Bar, Paresky Center

8 – 9:15 pm