Critical Whiteness: Reflecting on Power and Taking Action in the University Context

Course Content

The Ulysseus blended event on “Critical Whiteness” offers an introductory exploration into the realities of structural racism, intricately linked to and perpetuated by whiteness as a system of privilege. This programme aims at academic and non-academic university staff and is designed to provide a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical training. Participants will delve into current research, engage in hands-on activities, and partake in insightful discussions. The ultimate goal is to help participants recognize their privileges and understand structural power dynamics, fostering an attitude towards power sharing that they can integrate into their daily lives. The training programme is divided into an online and an on-site component. The virtual part introduces the theoretical foundations of the concept of Critical Whiteness and provides space to examine the participants’ own professional environments and starting points.

Participants will engage with key theoretical concepts, including whiteness as a social construct, systemic power dynamics, and the impact of whiteness in academic and professional settings. In addition to a foundational introduction to these concepts, the workshops will include interactive exercises and reflection sessions to explore how whiteness manifests in everyday university life—from communication and decision-making to institutional policies and interactions with colleagues and students. Through guided reflection, participants will develop strategies to foster more inclusive and equitable environments within their professional roles.

It is led by academics and professional trainers who examine “Critical Whiteness” from multiple perspectives and encourage critical reflection on participants’ own positions within prevailing societal power structures. The programme also includes events on the
role of diversity in start-ups, and the handling of (potentially) racist materials in museums, rounding off the training with practical applications.

No prior knowledge is required—curiosity and openness to critical reflection are encouraged.

Lecturers

Anna Zaptzi (USE)
Belachew Gebrewold (MCI)
Blanca Vera (USE)
Cristina del Villar (USE)
Javier Saavedra (USE)
Manolo de la Mata (USE)
Robert Koglek (MCI)
Rocío Garrido (USE)
Tanja Pirsig-Marshall (LWL-Museum für Kunst und Kultur, Westfälisches Landesmuseum)
Virginia Paloma (USE)

(Preliminary list, subject to change)

Physical Mobility

The on-site week will take place in Germany at the University of Münster from November 24 to 28 2025.

(Provisional programme, subject to change)

Agenda

November 24, 2025 (Monday)

10am – 10:30am
Welcome to Münster! Intro and organizational issues

10:30am – 12:30pm
Self-reflexivity training on Critical Whiteness I

12:30 – 1:30pm
Lunch break

1:30pm – 2:30pm
Self-reflexivity training on Critical Whiteness II

2:30pm – 2:45pm
Coffee break

2:45pm – 4:15pm
Self-reflexivity training on Critical Whiteness III

6pm
Opportunity for a group dinner in the center of Münster (Optional)

November 25, 2025 (Tuesday)

9:30am-11:00am
Self-reflexivity training on Critical Whiteness IV

11:00am-11:15am
Coffee Break

11:15am-12:30pm
Cultural Competence and Capacity-Building in Universities – Rocío Garrido, Javier Saavedra (University of Seville)
A reflective and practical approach to developing cultural competence through critical reflexivity, emphasizing self-awareness, privilege, ethnocultural empathy, communication skills, and other key competencies. This module also rethinks institutional strategies for fostering equity and implementing sustainable change within university communities

12:30pm -1:30pm
Lunch break

2:30pm – 4:30pm
Dealing with Sensitive Content in Museums – the case of Otto Mueller (working title) – Dr. Pirsig-Marshall, LWL-Museum für Kunst und Kultur Westfälisches Landesmuseum

6pm
Guided City Tour (Optional)

November 26, 2025 (Wednesday)

9:30am – 11:00am
Identity, Health, and Acculturation – Manolo de la Mata, Javier Saavedra (University of Seville)
An in-depth exploration of how cultural identity influences health and well-being, focusing on acculturation processes, adaptation, and their psychosocial and structural implications in intercultural contexts.

11:00am – 11:15am
Coffee Break

11:15am – 12:45pm
Gender, Power, and Interculturality: The Central Role of Intersectionality – Cristina Del Villar, Manolo de la Mata (University of Seville)
A critical examination of how gender intersects with power structures in multicultural societies, positioning intersectionality as a key framework for understanding and addressing systemic inequalities, privilege, and oppression.

12:45pm -1:45pm
Lunch break

1:45pm-3:15pm
Intergroup Relations and Conflict Management: Moving Beyond Racism and Xenophobia – Anna Zaptsi, Blanca Vera (University of Seville)
An exploration of intergroup dynamics, implicit biases, and cultural conflicts, combined with evidence-based strategies to combat racism and xenophobia. This module focuses on fostering mediation, promoting intercultural understanding, and creating inclusive spaces for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

3:15pm – 3:30pm
Coffee Break

3:30pm – 4:30pm
Review and reflection on the day’s discussions – Robert Koglek (Management Center Innsbruck)

November 27, 2025 (Thursday)

10am – 12:30pm
The Role of Diversity in Science-Based Startups – REACH Münster

12:30pm – 2:00pm
Lunch break, Coffee

2pm – 3:30pm
Lecture (Coloniality and Postcolonial Migration) – Belachew Gebrewold (Management Center Innsbruck)

November 28, 2025 (Friday)

10am – 11:30am
Perspective(s) from Science: AI, machine learning, and racial bias

11:30am – 12:00am
Coffee break

11:30am – 12:30pm
Reflection on the BIP experience – Robert Koglek (Management Center Innsbruck)

12.30am
Farewell Münster Team

Virtual Component

The online sessions are designed to allow participants to get to know each other, formulate expectations for the BIP, and receive an initial theoretical input that will serve as the foundation for the on-site part. The online sessions will be held via the Teams platform. Access details will be sent to participants in advance. Participants must have access to a suitable device (laptop, tablet, etc.) and actively participate in the online session.

Each online session will have a responsible team that handles both the content and technical issues. Relevant literature for self-study and preparation for the online sessions will be provided to participants via cloud during the first online session. Each session will include both content input and participatory elements, some of which will be carried out in group work.

Programme of the Online Sessions:

October 10, 2025
10am – 12pm: Participants and lecturers introduce themselves and share their research interests. We will reflect on our expectations for the course and provide an overview of its format and content. This session will also serve as an informal opportunity to get to know one another.

October 17, 2025
10am – 1pm: Introduction to Critical Whiteness, theoretical framework and self-reflexivity training (Robert Koglek, (Management Center Innsbruck)).

October 24, 2025
10am – 1pm: “Challenging Whiteness, Advancing Equity: Rethinking Diversity and Inclusion in the University” (Blanca Vera, Rocío Garrido (University of Seville). Relevant literature for self-study and preparation for the online sessions will be provided to participants via cloud during the first online session.