Cancel Culture – Modern teenagers around the globe are familiar with the cruel harsh realities of “cancel culture.” It has the capacity to fracture community and inflict relational harm on single individuals or groups. It has even been used as a weapon under the banner of social justice or moral obligation. Wahlberg will lead a discussion with students using group activities and reflection exercises to emphasize the ways cancel culture thwarts critical thinking and free speech in learning communities. Students will discuss and examine the difference between healthy boundaries and cancel culture while finding better ways to engage in civil discourse on controversial and sensitive issues that matter to students. (Max 40)
From Red Hook to Bay Ridge: Norwegian Emigration to New York City in the early 20th Century: This workshop will examine the push and pull factors that impacted Norwegian emigration during the late 19th and early 20th century. From the shanty town Red Hook (also known as Ørkenen Sur) to the tree-lined avenues of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, the Norwegian community survived and thrived in unexpected ways. Using primary source documents and testimonials, participants will encounter various historical identities to discover the context and contributions of Norwegian immigrants in New York City.(max 25)
Historical Myths in American History – This workshop will examine several myths in American history that perpetuate in American society and beyond: the first Thanksgiving, Christopher Columbus’ Discovery of America, the legend of Pocahontas and the addition of the 50th state, Hawaii. Students will examine primary source documents (letters, pictures, personal accounts, maps, etc) to uncover the true facts. Students will process the origins and motivations behind these myths as well as the reasons why these myths continue to circulate.(max 40)
Media Literacy and Bias Detection – As the volume and frequency of news has exponentially increased over the last decade, it is more important than ever to develop skills to detect bias and critically sift fact from fiction. In this lesson, students will define polarization, identify its causes and consequences, and analyze its relationship to society. Students will then define bias and identify its relationship to polarization. Students will then brainstorm ways to bridge the divide and understand people with differing opinions. (Max 40)
America’s Culture of Niceness – The stereotype of the friendly American might not always apply – but what are the cultural roots that contribute to and sustain this characterization? This workshop will unpackage “smile diplomacy” and allow students to investigate the cultural meaning behind American “niceness” and discover why the white-teethed smile is so important in American culture. (Max 25)
The History of Native American Boarding Schools in the United States –
In this lesson, students will unpackage the hard history behind the United States’ forced acculturation of Native American children using government funded boarding schools in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Students will examine the devastating impact that racism has had on Native American individuals, families, communities, and Tribal Nations. Students will then examine the recent advocacy efforts and U.S. legislation enacted to protect Native American children (Indian Child Welfare Act) and promote healing and reconciliation for the victims. (Max 40)
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Lisa-Brit’s Workshops for Videregående Teachers and Teachers-in-Training