Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities

Instructor: Jacob Saunders

Format: Online, Self-Paced

Commitment: 15 hours

Available Credits: 1 semester, graduate-level

Course Description: In an increasingly polarized world, classroom discussions around hot-button topics are sometimes avoided by schools and educators alike. The authors of Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities, Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney, however, make the argument that students and communities would be better served by intentionally creating the conditions of a robust civil discourse within our classrooms and schools. In this book study, educators will learn strategies for becoming better facilitators of contentious dialogue and conversation, with the end goal of strengthening classroom culture and a shared sense of community. Addressing the problem of how to have politically and emotionally charged conversations in the classroom, this book study is particularly appropriate for social studies, humanities, ELA, and other related K-12 educators. 

Course Requirements:

• Read Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities (Joe Schmidt & Nichelle Pinkney 2022)

• Respond in writing to study guide questions associated with each chapter of the book.

• Engage in structured dialogue with other educators following selected chapters of the book.

• Compose a short reflection on potential shifts in one's own practice and pedagogy after completing the book study.