Preparing to Teach Sensitive Topics

Life sciences courses can touch on a variety of topics that students might be sensitive to due to their personal experience. It is important to create a learning environment that challenges students to engage with topics of academic value, while also encouraging them to recognize their limits and advocate for themselves.

Teaching Strategies

For especially sensitive topics, you may want to incorporate strategies for approaching these in the class.

• At the beginning of the term, give students a warning that sensitive topics may be discussed in the course. Suggest some options for how they might care for themselves in these situations, such as disengaging from the topic, taking a moment to write and reflect on how the discussion makes them feel, or stepping outside the classroom for a break.
• Have a conversation with the class at the beginning of the term about the classroom discussion norms they would like to adopt as a group. What are the needs of the classroom community? How would they like to engage with these academically valuable, but sensitive, topics while recognizing and respecting that people in the room may have a range of reactions and needs?
• Start the lesson by acknowledging that there will be a discussion of whichever topic you will be covering that day, and that students may have varied emotional responses to this topic. 

Syllabus Language 

Adding a section to your syllabus about potentially sensitive topics can give students time to prepare themselves and communicate with the instructor. This also establishes the instructor’s expectations for students regarding topics they have concerns about. Feel free to use different parts of the following variations that are most relevant to your course.

Variation #1

This course discusses variation in animal behaviors, including human behaviors. As part of acquiring a comprehensive and contextual understanding of animal behavior, this course may touch on topics that students may find sensitive, such as addiction, infanticide, and infidelity. Although we will discuss these topics in an academic manner, I encourage students to challenge themselves to engage with the material in ways that work for them. Students may personally relate to these topics in ways that require modifications to the assignments or classroom participation. Please review the schedule of topics we will be covering in this course and reach out to me if you have concerns about your ability to participate. 

Variation #2

This course consists of instructor- and student-led presentations, followed by whole-class discussions. These student-led presentations differ each semester, which opens the possibility of discussing sensitive topics. Topics will be decided by the second week of the semester, and presenting students will be coached to ensure they present the topics as neutrally and academically as possible. Students are expected to engage in these discussions in good faith, and to responsibly navigate course material in a way that is appropriate for them. If you anticipate needing a modification to an activity, please contact me as soon as possible. 

Variation #3

The purpose of this course is to present you with fundamental concepts of biological systems as studied using the scientific method and validated through peer review. The experience of studying life in all of its varied forms can be intellectually challenging, which may present as discomfort. Students may personally relate to course material in a number of ways, and I am happy to debrief after class if needed and help connect you with campus resources. Class topics are discussed for the sole purpose of expanding your intellectual engagement in the area of [subject], and I will support you throughout your learning in this course.

Additional Resources

• OSU Teaching & Learning Resource Center: Using Content Warnings in Your Course: A Trauma-Informed Approach
• University of Connecticut: Trigger and Content Warning Guidance
• Stanford University Teaching and Learning Hub: Writing Content Notices for Sensitive Content