Several members of the University community have expressed concern that recent controversies on campus have hindered the spirit of academic freedom.
Departments throughout campus now are looking to new methods to educate teachers about promoting healthy classroom debate.
"A lot of people are concerned that we're losing a sense of learning in the classroom," said Judith Wegner, chairwoman of the faculty. "For the University, the focus should be on education and learning and challenging the idea."
Two events related to controversial issues will be hosted in November by the Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars, the Faculty Council and the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Ed Neal, director of faculty development at the center, said he hopes to see a number of instructors participate in programs this year to prepare them for issues that might arise.
"If you look at the nature of teaching at the University and the necessity of dealing with various controversial issues, it's important that we focus on it from time to time," Neal said.
During the first session Nov. 11, a panel of experienced instructors will share their approaches to teaching controversial topics. The second event, on Nov. 18, will be a workshop for instructors focusing on techniques for handling "hot moments" in the classroom.
"The Faculty Council and the academy are very interested in making sure that teaching is done effectively," Neal said.
The Department of English also is holding workshops to educate faculty on how to handle controversial topics in class. The department faced much scrutiny after an e-mail sent by an instructor in the department instigated a federal investigation by the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Education.
