Panjwani contributes to Department of Education Funded Report
March 2007

In March 2007 the Historical Association UK produced a report titled "Teaching emotive and controversial History 3-19".  Farid Panjwani, Senior Instructor at the Aga Khan University - Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, contributed to the project, highlighting some emotive and controversial issues related to the teaching of Muslim histories.   

The report, funded by the UK Department of Education and Skills, sought to explore areas of study in schools' curricula that teachers tended to avoid teaching because of their potential to raise controversy in the classroom. One such area included aspects of the history of Muslims. Experts and researchers from a variety of fields were brought together to shed light on these issues.  

Panjwani noted that an overview of the curriculum suggests an indication of a larger shift towards multiculturalism within UK schools. This shift has led to a general change in the teaching of religion in the UK , from teaching about one religion, usually Christianity, to teaching about a number of religions.

Panjwani stated that the teaching of Islam is going through a transition in the UK , towards a more complex and nuanced understanding. The result of this transition is a vibrant field of study that is deepening conventional subject matter and experimenting with new perspectives.

Throughout education, however, the idea of diversity across faiths and education about religion should permeate religious education, Panjwani suggested. Through this, the formation of a balanced and pluralistic worldview is possible.

The full report, "Teaching emotive and controversial History 3-19" is available online at http://www.haevents.org.uk/PastEvents/Others/Teach%20report.pdf   (Panjwani's contribution is on page 40 of the report).