REA 2026 Inter-religious Co-teaching as Critical Friendship

The neoliberal university induces stress, isolation, and suspicion in the academic workforce. We argue that critical academic friendship, a term developed by Sotiropoulou and Cranston, is not only useful in personal and professional development but also as a potent pedagogical practice. This presentation examines a case study of co-teaching two religious studies courses in the secular university. Sustained reflection on our own religious differences operated as a mode of critical academic friendship, creating an environment characterised by care, curiosity, and nurturing of difference. Facilitated by Jennifer Moe (Global Centre for Advanced Studies).