Sexual Violence, Trigger Warnings, and the Early Modern Classroom

Abstract

The subject of trigger warnings is both controversial and misunderstood, yet when deployed correctly a trigger warning can augment rather than shut down discussion. Kirsten Mendoza describes a strategy for cultivating an atmosphere of trust in her classroom while holding space for productive contention and discomfort. Taking seriously depictions of early modern violence as well as their connection to students’ lived experiences, this chapter provides strategies for using affective responses to support aesthetic and intellectual analysis.