Even though we might have differing opinions about the topics that we analyze in this class, there are things we all can do to make the class an enjoyable place to be, and to create an environment that makes it as easy as possible for everyone to learn from class discussions. Here are some things to keep in mind about the goal of class discussions, plus some tips for communicating effectively with each other:
The goal of discussions in our class is NOT to:
- Convince people who currently disagree with you to agree with you
- Come to consensus
The goal of discussions in our class IS to:
- Be aware of the range of points of view that exist about these topics
- Fully understand the perspectives of people who disagree with you.
- Practice respectful disagreement
- Figure out how to advance the discussion constructively if/when you feel offended.
To reach these goals:
- We need everyone to agree to actively participate in these discussions. We will not reach our goals if only a small number of people in our class participate.
- Everyone must do their very best to make understanding the goal, instead of arguing, or convincing.
- Agree to some ground rules:
- a) If you find yourself having a negative emotional reaction to what someone else has said, immediately remind yourself that your goal is to better understand, not to convince. Start by asking them for clarification about their beliefs/position. If you need to leave the class briefly to gather your thoughts before you return, feel free to quietly do so .
- b) Check to make sure that you understand. For example, “I hear you saying _______________. Is that right?” Or “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you’re saying __________________. If that’s right, I agree/disagree because____________________.”
- c) Never interrupt when a classmate is speaking. [Wait until they’ve finished. If there are a lot of people who want to speak at once, raise your hand and wait your turn.]
- d) Criticize ideas, not people. For example, “Based on your belief that ____, I can see why you are in favor of/against ____. However, that perspective seems to ignore ________________.” Or, “If that’s true ___________. Is that in line with your perspective?”
- e) Clearly state where you’re getting your information. For example, “I am in favor of/against because ________________.” If your position is based on a personal experience, acknowledge that your experience may or may not apply to the experiences of other in similar situations.
- f) Avoid inflammatory language/labels. If someone mistakenly uses language/a label that you find offensive, say “I know you probably didn’t mean to be offensive, but instead of ________ I would prefer ______.” If someone asks you to use different language/labels, use the preferred label (unless for some reason you find their suggestion offensive. Then we’ll work it out).
- g) Avoid “You people” and “those people.” It puts people on the defensive.
- h) Avoid overgeneralizations. For example, if you’re referring to specific ethnic/racial groups, avoid overgeneralizing about the entire population (e.g. “Whites/African-Americans/Asian-Americans/Hispanics/Latinos/Native Americans”). Instead, be specific (e.g., “the African-American residents living in Clarksville in the 1920s…”).
- i) When in doubt, give your classmates the benefit of the doubt.
