Paper short abstract:

In this paper we explore how teaching can be an act of activism in the neoliberal univeristy. We argue that 'engaged teaching' not only involves teaching about issues related to social justice, but also implies engaged, horizontal teaching methods.

Paper long abstract:

In this paper we explore how teaching can be an act of activism in the neoliberal university. In so doing, we draw on our experiences with the course 'Resistance, Power and Movements'. This course was developed in response to a wish (and a need!) that was voiced repeatedly by students and university lecturers alike to not only explore how theory and practice of social movements could feed into each other, but to actually bring that into practice in university education and teaching. This course seeks to create a space to explore and reflect on agency and power with a focus on combining theory and practice. In so doing, lecturers and professional trainers bring theory and practice of resistance, protest and movements together in a mix lectures and interactive workshops. On top of this, students are guided to design and realize a small protest/act of resistance.

Based on our experiences of giving and evaluating the course, we argue that 'engaged teaching' not only involves teaching about issues related to social justice, but also implies engaged, horizontal teaching methods.