"Reacting to the Past" consists of elaborate games, set in the past, in which students are assigned roles informed by classic texts in the history of ideas. An alternative approach to undergraduate general education, the pedagogy seeks to draw students into the past, promote engagement with big ideas, and improve intellectual and academic skills. Pioneered by Barnard College, “Reacting” is sponsored by a consortium of 40 colleges and universities.

Conference participants will learn about the pedagogy by engaging in intensive five-day workshops on particular games, ranging from “The Trial of Galileo” to “Defining a Nation: India on the Eve of Independence, 145.” In addition to game sessions, participants will have discussions of a more general character on student motivation and teaching, liberal education, and the problems and possibilities of the "Reacting" pedagogy.

Additional details and online registration are available at http://www.barnard.edu/reacting/conference.htm. The priority registration deadline is May 23, 2008.