GUIDELINES FOR CIVIL DISCOURSE IN THE CLASSROOM
CRIMINAL JUSTICE 160
 SPRING 2000 1999

Generated: 1/18/00

TO: Students in CJ 160
FROM: R. B. Taylor
DATE: 1/20/00
RE: Guidelines for civil discourse

   On 1/18/00 small groups in the class met and discussed guidelines for how we will listen to each other, and how we will speak with each other, and generally how we will conduct ourselves while in this class. The names of those of you who participated appear below, and you will receive a participation credit. (Let me know if I do not have your name spelled properly and I will correct it.) I view these guidelines as tentative; if there are points here that need further clarification or discussion, or that you think should be dropped, let me know and we can discuss from there.
   RESPECT WHILE TALKING. This came across in a number of ways. Almost every group mentioned this. This includes the issues related to the language that we use, and to racial issues: "no swearing, no cursing, no personal attacks;" "no racial thing"; "don't yell"; "no foul or derogatory language"; "no degrading or insulting comments towards other students." It also includes how we respond to what others have said, including "respect others' opinions." This last comment came out in just about every group. One group amplified on possible benefits of this last point: "Respect their opinion because something the speaker says may open your eyes to new or different ideas as well as maybe supporting your own opinion." It also means avoiding out and out conflict: "no fighting (i.e., Jerry Springer) verbal or physical"; "don't throw things;" don't purposely start conflict."
   RESPECT WHILE LISTENING. This includes not interrupting "let the person finish"; "be attentive; use active listening"; "give the other person time to make his or her point;" "don't mimic another person speaking." I know it will be really hard in a class this large, but if while listening we can have "no side comments" that would be helpful too, at least according to one group.
   STAY ON TARGET. It is expected that those who are making contributions will offer comments that are pertinent: "use examples that are relevant to the topic;" "speak with facts, well thought [out] comments."
   THE PROF'S JOB. Although you were not asked to address this, my job, as I see it, includes the following on these matters. (1) Reminding you all of these guidelines when it seems necessary. (2) Regrettably, it will not be possible in a class this large to hear from everyone who has an opinion on a topic, so there will be numerous numerous times when I have to cut off discussion and move on. My apologies in advance. To compensate, I will bring a box to class that you can put anonymous comment cards into. If you have an opinion that we do not get to hear, or a strong reaction, fill out a card and put it in the box.
   

Joseph McBride
Brian Parkhill
Matthew Shellenberger
Jennifer Snyder
Alicia Archer
Kinesha Yancey
Danielle Durham
Nancy Thomas
Simone Shaw
Colleen Cain
Nicole Ragland
Kathy Mickings
Mark Zazac
John Tsai
Aaron Marks
Jarod Holloway

Dennis Reitz
Gene Dolan
Shawn Gelbart
Claire Leotta
Joseph Linton
Joseph L. Paul
Carlton Ingram
Anthony Stukes
Demetrius Casillas
Bo Un
Joseph Rumpf
Reginald David
Dana Ross
Jen Fadgen
Matt Funk
Carlos Hankins
Tanya Turner

Regina Conley
Kelly Stearn
Michael Davis
Anna Stankiewicz
Shakia Payton
Heather Clee
Jasmin Wilson
Kristin Nobel
Brian Flaherty
Ana Duarte
Mike Phelan
Ryan Brett
Chris Fenico
Greg Century
Daniel Carr
Patrick Murphy
Susan Nocella
Candace Chang

Arthur Russell
Michelle Young
Joe Palmer
Brandon George
Marc Mihaw
Charetta Wilson
Maurice McClain
Khalil Morrison
Travis Conrad
Maya Wilkinson
Aknaran Francis
Daniel Fletcher
Harolal Burke
Mark Spitz
Desiree Carpenter
Alysa Smith
Derek Furman