Programming on Dialogue and Civil Discourse (2011 Strategic Plan)

Respectful dialogue, and openness to differing points of view are essential in order to maintain a healthy, diverse community. Activities bringing our community together in both small and large groups will foster continuing conversations in an environment where we can engage appropriately with difficult topics. Suggestions included having two high-impact lectures per year and/or six to eight sustained conversations in smaller groups throughout the academic year, with each group meeting six to 12 times.

Comments
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 * I'm confused: lectures and conversations on what? On various difficult topics: the Israel/Pakistan issue, racism, etc.? Or on respectful dialogue itself? Both are definitely much needed and students need to be encouraged to attend. Also, I hope that these lectures and conversations are set up in such a way so that those whose opinions aren't necessarily "politically correct" feel that they can safely air their views too. Devin Morse
 * A useful resource for reflective discussion of the issues and processes under this heading may be the philosophical works of Reinhold Neibuhr. Ben Teifeld, S83