Course Conversations about difficult and sensitive topics

In our education at Utrecht University, we want to make space for different perspectives: how can we make these visible, recognise them and then make use of them? This requires, on the one hand, an open, curious and attentive attitude and, on the other, the ability to express ourselves boldly, clearly and in a way that fosters connection. Both listening and speaking out can be challenging, particularly when it comes to difficult or sensitive topics that affect us personally. This also calls for self-reflection: what affects me, why is that the case, and how can I still engage in an open dialogue? We want to teach students these skills and, as lecturers, we must therefore be able to demonstrate them ourselves.

In this course, teachers learn how to initiate and facilitate discussions on difficult and sensitive topics in their classrooms, thereby harnessing the power of different perspectives. We allow plenty of scope for participants to share their own case studies and for practising, experiencing and reflecting. We connect to questions and learning needs from the group and pay attention to at least:

  • the difference between tension and insecurity: safe and brave spaces;
  • conflict as opportunity: hearing all voices;
  • connecting communication with an eye for:
    • what is going on inside yourself;
    • the group as a whole;
    • the individuals in the group.

Upon completion of the course, teachers will be able to:

  • harness the power of different perspectives;
  • initiate and facilitate discussions on difficult and sensitive topics in their classrooms;
  • view conflicts as opportunities for students’ learning;
  • communicate in a way that fosters connection, whilst being mindful of themselves, the group as a whole and the individuals within the group;
  • reflect on how they can and wish to fulfil their role in discussions about difficult and sensitive topics.

Target audience

This course is aimed at UU lecturers who wish to learn how to make better use of different perspectives and who want to be prepared for conversations and discussions in their classes on difficult and sensitive topics. 

Practical details dates

The course consists of three sessions of 3.5 hours each. Approximately 2 hours of preparation time is required for each session. The third session is a follow-up/peer review session in which we will work on participants’ own case studies and/or themes such as non-verbal communication, responding to crisis situations, and creating space for voices and perspectives that are otherwise difficult to hear.

The course will be offered twice during the 2026/2027 academic year, with a maximum of 12 participants per course. The course will be conducted in Dutch or English, to be agreed with the group of participants.

Dates

Course 1 takes place on Tuesdays 3 November, 8 December, and 2 February (intervision session) from 13.30 to 17.00 o'clock. These sessions are led by Sanne Elling and Karin van Look.

The locations are the following:

  • 3 November: Androclus building C020 & C021
  • 8 December: t.b.d.
  • 2 February: t.b.d.

Course 2 takes place on Thursdays 28 January, 18 February and 18 March (intervision session) from 13.30 pm to 17.00 o'clock. These sessions are led by Sanne Elling and Frans Prins.

The locations are the following:

  • 28 January: Bestuursgebouw 0.33C + 0.33F
  • 18 February: Bestuursgebouw 0.33C + 0.33E
  • 18 March: Bestuursgebouw 0.33C  

Registration

You can register as an individual via this form.

Registration on request

On request, we can also offer this training course to a team or organisational unit. If you are a group of 8–12 people and are interested in this topic, please contact Sanne Elling: S.K.Elling@uu.nl.