Discussion Guidelines

In order to have productive, safe, open, and meaningful class discussions, please follow the guidelines below:

(The Dorothy Rules)

  1. Stay on topic 
  2. Share your own story and experience, instead of invalidating somebody else's story with your own spin on her or his experience.
  3. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing ("I" instead of "they," "we," and "you")
  4. The goal is not to agree -- it is to gain a deeper understanding.
  5. Be Emotional Intelligent in class. Listen for tone and be conscious of body language and nonverbal responses -- they can be as disrespectful as words.
  6. Listen respectfully and actively, without interrupting.
  7. Respect one another’s views. You don't have to agree with them, but keep in mind that everyone has a different epistemic position. (This is why I show Derek Vinyard from American History X)
  8. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks -- focus on ideas not individuals. Wrong: "I have a difficult time being in this class because you and all the students in here don't have a clue." Wrong: "That's stupid!" Right: “I don't understand your point linking lack of access to abortion to an increase in single moms, foster kids, and high school drop outs. Can you elaborate?”
  9. Commit to learning, not debating.
  10. Avoid blame and speculation.
  11. Avoid inflammatory language such as "That's stupid!" "That's absurd!" "You're not paying attention!"
  12. Don't verbally attack someone with whom you disagree.


If I have to remind you more than once to follow the discussion guidelines, I may ask you to leave class



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