CISH 2026
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Europe and “the others”: Colonial and Decolonial Perspectives in History Education

  • Date

    I. Wednesday, 26.08.2026, 14:00-15:30

    II. Thursday, 27.08.2026, 08:30-10:30

  • Location
    House 1- SR 223
  • Theme
    B - Teaching History and Public History
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Abstract

This panel aims to develop a reflective and critical framework for exploring diverse narratives and methodologies in history teaching, with a focus on colonial and decolonial perspectives. It seeks to examine how European colonial histories are presented in education and emphasizes the importance of critically engaging with these narratives. Inspired by contemporary anti-colonial movements and decolonization epistemologies, emerging trends in history education aim to challenge pro-Western viewpoints, deconstruct dominant narratives, and promote pluralist approaches to knowledge and teaching. These efforts recognize that colonialism extends beyond territorial conquest and economic exploitation, perpetually marginalizing diverse ways of life rooted in indigenous, African, Asian, and Latin American traditions. An interdisciplinary approach—spanning economy, social structures, religion, ideologies, language, art, literature, cinema, medicine, and gender—can deepen understanding of both micro- and macro-histories. Participants will explore how colonial histories shape contemporary societal structures and cultural identities, emphasizing the urgent need to decolonize history curricula and textbooks. Key themes include the representation of colonized peoples, the role of historical memory, and the embedded dynamics within traditional narratives. The session will highlight innovative pedagogical strategies that challenge Eurocentric views, encouraging students to critically analyze historical sources, question established narratives, and recognize multiple perspectives, especially those of marginalized communities.

Convenor

  • Joanna Wojdon (University of Wrocław  )

Chair

  • Angelos Palikidis (Democritus University of Thrace)

Panelists

  • Jacques Ngong Atembone (University of Yaounde)
  • Andrea Brait (Universität für Weiterbildung Krems/Donau-Universität Krems)
  • Karl Benziger (Rhode Island College)
  • Robert Cvornyek (Rhode Island College)
  • Philipp Bernhard (University of Regensburg)
  • Georg Marschnig (University of Graz)
  • Maria Mavrommati (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)
  • Johan Wassermann (University of Pretoria)
  • Vuyo Jack (University of Pretoria)
  • Markus Wurzer (University of Graz)
  • Leonidas Moiras (Democritus University of Thrace)
  • Polina Verbytska (Lviv Polytechnic National University)

Papers

  • Teaching about the Cameroon War between 1945 and 1971 in secondary schools. Between decolonisation of mindsets and the rise of anti-French sentiment

    Jacques Ngong Atembone

  • Chambers of wonders and the presentation of colonial worldviews

    Andrea Brait

  • Re-Colonizing the Narrative: American Exceptionalism and the Struggle for Civil Rights Set on the World Stage

    Karl Benziger, Robert Cvornyek

  • Postcolonial theory in history education: Potentials and limitations

    Philipp Bernhard

  • Colonial heritage in online spaces. Digital mapping as historical agency

    Georg Marschnig, Markus Wurzer

  • Roma as the absent Other: Internal colonialism and ethical responsibility in Greek history textbooks

    Maria Mavrommati

  • The thinking of African history teachers on Afrocentrism – a South African case study

    Johan Wassermann, Vuyo Jack

  • Struggling between the nation and the empire: pro-colonial and anti-colonial patterns in Turkish history education

    Leonidas Moiras, Angelos Palikidis

  • History Education and the Politics of Memory in Wartime: Decolonization and Neo-Imperial Continuities

    Polina Verbytska