In a lecture at HL-senteret the American historian Omar Bartov claimed that the 68’generation has put too much emphasis on Auschwitz in the understanding the Holocaust, while the Norwegian historian Baard Borge has stated that the emphasis on the Second World War in the national curriculum is prescribing a cure for a disease that, in reality, puts an extremely limited number of people at risk.

Instead we should focus on themes that are more relevant to our own time, such as global warming, terrorism and human rights, says Borge.

How, and for what purpose should we approach the teaching of genocide and mass violence? How can the past be a useful tool for creating a moral identity suited for the moral challenges and choices of the 21st century?

HiFo-Østlandet is proud to introduce the American historian and attorney Joyce Apsel. She is Master Teacher in the General Studies Program at New York University, and a distinguished scholar in the field of teaching about genocide and human rights. Among her latest publications are “Teaching about Genocide” (with Helen Fein, 2002), ”Teaching about Human Rights” (2005) and “Darfur: Genocide before Our Eyes” (2nd edition 2006).

We especially encourage the participation of people working within the field of education.