Constructive Engagement with Difficult Topics

As faculty who navigate a wide range of sensitive topics with our students and colleagues, it is important to consider our role in fostering a learning environment that welcomes different perspectives inside and outside of our classrooms. Discussions can be difficult and fraught, especially with polarizing topics that are multifaceted, emotionally charged, and have a personal impact on members of our academic community in deep ways. The challenge for us as an educational community is to enhance understanding and build skills that lead to shared learning and constructive dialogue. In this workshop, you will hear from faculty peers and campus colleagues who regularly navigate charged dialogues in their schools, classrooms, labs and other academic environments. Panelists will also share effective practices and helpful resources to support rigorous and respectful debate that aims to advance our learning and understanding.

Moderator: Kerry Haynie, Dean of Social Sciences in Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

Speakers: Peter Feaver, Professor of Political Science; Timothy Lovelace, Professor of Law; Charlotte Sussman, Professor of English