Paula Cowan and Henry Maitles provide a thorough exploration of current debates and controversies relating to teaching controversial issues in primary and secondary schools. They also investigate the changing nature of this type of learning experience and explore its contribution to the curriculum, particularly history and citizenship education. Topics covered include: - What is the 'right' age to discuss controversial issues? - The Citizenship Agenda - Discussing Iraq with school students - Teaching the Holocaust in the multicultural classroom - Islamophobia International case studies provide fresh insights and valuable student and teacher feedback into the teaching of what many perceive as sensitive and difficult areas. Reflective questions and activities encourage readers to really engage with the issues and annotated further reading suggestions provide links to useful resources. The supporting companion website provides more detailed additional information along with practical teaching resources for those looking to explore controversial issues in their own classroom. Essential reading for beginning teachers and teachers of citizenship and history, and education studies students exploring the teaching of controversial issues in the classroom.

Preface and Framework /Paula Cowan and Henry Maitles -- The Context. Democracy, Trust and Respect / Walter Humes ; -- Gangs and Territorialism / Ross Deuchar ; -- The Citizenship Agenda / Alistair Ross ; -- Global Citizenship / Frances Simpson -- War and Peace. Discussing War in the Classroom / Henry Maitles ; -- Teaching for Inclusive Citizenship, Peace and Human Rights / Audrey Osler ; -- Nuclear War Education / Neil McLennan -- Genocide. The Unique and Universal Aspects of Modern Genocide / Stephen D. Smith ; -- Teaching About Genocide / Ian Davies ; -- Pedagogical Issues in Teaching the Holocaust / Henry Maitles and Paula Cowan ; -- Teaching the Holocaust in the Multicultural Classroom / Geoffrey Short ; -- Visiting Auschwitz: Valuable Lessons or Holocaust Tourism? / Paula Cowan ; -- Why Study Rwanda When We Have Already Learned About The Holocaust? / Andy Lawrence -- Racism and Discrimination. Islamophobia / Geri Smyth ; -- Homophobia / Barry van Driel and Michele Kahn ; -- Anti-Semitism / Paula Cowan ; -- Gypsy and Roma Families / Martin Myers ; -- Migration / Jill Rutter -- Conclusion and Policy Implications / Henry Maitles and Paula Cowan.