Introduction to Civil Discourse

Catalog description

From our classrooms to our social media feeds, and our living rooms to our legislature, the vibrancy of our democracy hinges on how we talk about complex public issues, problems, and decisions that impact our communities. Yet these conversations are often difficult and make it tough to work together productively. We will contemplate the question: How do we talk about issues we are concerned about in ways that encourage more meaningful thinking, community collaboration, and problem-solving? To answer this question, we examine civil discourse in practice, including the role it plays in our U.S. democracy and civic structure, the civility/un-civility of collective action and protest; the possibilities of public dialogue and deliberation as part of a participatory democracy; and the role of collaborative inquiry in addressing public problems. Using a case study about the first amendment and freedom of expression on U.S. college campuses for critical reflection, we will consider the complex dynamics of our civic landscape, the various mindsets necessary for engaging in civil discourse across these contexts, and the potential for cultivating more productive civil discourse around contentious issues in diverse contexts. Our primary objective will be to appraise the challenges and opportunities for fostering civil discourse in contemporary democratic discussion and decision-making in politics, organizations, on campus, and in our communities. We also will practice civil discourse, dialogue, deliberation, and collaborative inquiry, and consequently, this course is very discussion-focused and prioritizes partnered and small group work.