2026 H-Net Teaching Conference

Title: Why It Matters: Teaching Empathy, Critical Thinking, and Civil Discourse across the Humanities and Social Sciences

Proposals Due: May 22, 2026
Conference Dates: August 17–20, 2026
Location: Virtual on Zoom

H-Net is excited to announce Why It Matters: Teaching Empathy, Critical Thinking, and Civil Discourse across the Humanities and Social Sciences will be the theme for the fifth annual H-Net Teaching Conference. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of the humanities and social sciences in building the knowledge, skills, and abilities that support civil discourse, which is a foundation of functional democracies. In addition to civil discourse, this year’s theme focuses on using the humanities and social sciences to build understanding and connections through empathy and critical thinking.

We welcome individual, panel, and roundtable proposals and encourage interactive formats such as workshops, digital posters, assignment charrettes, and other innovative sessions that promote engagement and discussion.

Keynote speaker: To be announced.

The conference will be fully virtual during the week of Monday, August 17, 2026. Sessions may be recorded for later access via H-Net Commons, and selected presenters may be invited to publish in the H-Net Conference Proceedings.

All proposals should include a title, CVs and email addresses for all presenters, and an abstract of no more than 200 words. No pre-recorded sessions will be accepted. Submissions are encouraged to address one or more of the following areas:

1. Applied learning in the classroom to enhance empathy, critical thinking, and civil discourse while navigating difficult or controversial topics.
2. Assessment of student growth in empathy, critical thinking, and civil discourse
3. The role of storytelling in developing empathy, critical thinking, and civil discourse
4. Challenges facing the teaching of the humanities and social sciences due to federal and state mandates, with a focus on pedagogical responses
5. How public-facing educational programs and resources (H-Net, National History Day, literacy initiatives, etc.) can enrich knowledge, skills, and abilities related to empathy, critical thinking, and civil discourse
6. Connecting the humanities and social sciences to workplace needs, including perspective-taking, collaboration, and problem-solving through critical thinking

Email proposals to brothe10@msu.edu by Friday, May 22, 2026.

As a proponent of open access, the H-Net Teaching Conference will be free and open to all.