Policy for Classroom Discussion

Active participation is integral to meeting course objectives. There is no better learning tool than active, sustained, and engaging discussion, and it was with this in mind that we decided to include a discussion feature at the end of each unit. We firmly believe in the value of such a forum, which while allowing for the free exchange of ideas, is necessarily constrained by a number of factors.

This is a special forum for a special purpose, and as such can only be effective when all participants accept its limitations. By nature, the material we are exploring together this term is challenging, although rewarding, thought provoking, yet sometimes perplexing, and for many, deeply meaningful on the most personal of levels. We consider it one of our highest priorities to ensure that you come out of this course equipped with a set of skills allowing for you to become not only a responsible member of a dynamic multicultural America, but also a true global citizen. Being able to deal with difficult issues in a rational, objective, and fair minded manner is the cornerstone upon which such an enterprise is built.

It is with this vision in mind that we ask you to please observe the following protocol when participating in discussions:

1) Speak to the topic and keep focused on the task at hand.

2) Avoid emotionally subjective, reactionary statements; be respectful and considerate of dissenting opinion and alternative interpretation.

3) Avoid personal entanglement, this is best done in the context of private discussion, not in a public forum such as this one.

4) Finally, strive to be open minded, objective, rational, and above all fair in your responses. As responsible members of a learning community, it is incumbent upon us to strive to maintain a certain level of intellectual rigor, academic distance, and cultural relativity appropriate to a secular American academic institution.

The course instructors reserve the right to moderate discussions based on this protocol.