Teaching and Learning about Violent Pasts

UNESCO’s Teaching and Learning about Violent Pasts is an innovative online course designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to address sensitive and violent histories in the classroom. Covering historical topics such as genocide, colonialism, enslavement, and systemic discrimination, the course emphasizes how confronting “difficult” pasts can foster empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to human rights and peacebuilding.

With case studies and expert practitioners from around the world, this course is practical and grounded in real classroom application, offering models, strategies, and tools for teaching about violent pasts. It is designed for a wide audience of educators, teachers, as well as NGOs and community practitioners. The course supports anyone interested in fostering empathy, critical thinking, and peace through history education, accessible to all, anywhere, anytime.

The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this online course do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of organizations preparing this online course concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

The ideas and opinions expressed in this online course are those of the presenters; they are not necessarily those of organizations preparing this online course and do not commit the organizations.

Target Audience

Educators and teachers seeking practical strategies to teach sensitive histories using inquiry-based, reflective, and multiperspective approaches.
Students and future educators eager to build the knowledge, empathy, and skills needed to become changemakers for peace, equity, and global citizenship.
NGOs and community-based organizations working to advance inclusive education, reconciliation, and social cohesion in their local and global contexts.
Policy-makers and government officials committed to integrating education about violent pasts into curricula that promote peace, justice, and human rights.

Learning Objectives

Advocate for teaching about violent pasts to foster empathy, justice, and global understanding
Implement inquiry-based learning to deepen critical thinking and engagement with history
Integrate multiple perspectives to create balanced and more inclusive historical narratives
Explore how addressing sensitive histories in the classroom contributes to peacebuilding and responsible citizenship