Times of transition can be viewed as times of crisis -- epistemologically, morally and socially. They also can come to be seen as fortuitous junctures where the impossibility of preserving old patterns gives rise to a leap into new, productive configurations. In the teaching and learning situations presented here, it is assumed that such a leap is possible among members of a pluralist society. Diversity must work as an asset rather than a liability for minority as well as mainstream candidates. The curriculum needs to be inquiry-based and should be engaging emotionally and imaginatively, as well as intellectually.