Civil Dialogue and Citizenship
Navigating Our Deepest Differences
In Lesson I, you’ll learn that the process of making “A More Perfect Union” is ongoing. You will learn about moral philosopher Jonathan Haidt’s Moral Foundation Theory explaining the differences between Liberals and Conservatives and apply the theory to your own political views. You’ll reflect on how values are deeply emotional, driving how people live their lives and see their world. You’ll learn about Supreme Court Justices Ginsburg and Scalia who cultivated a friendship together in spite of their vast political differences. Then you’ll reflect on your own friendships across differences.
Step 1: More Perfect Union
Step 2: Political Differences
Step 3: Rank Yourself
Step 4: Values Are Emotional
Step 5: Friends and Icons
Step 6: Friends and Politics
In Lesson II, you’ll learn about the meaning of civil dialogue and its difference from debate. With a partner, you will participate in an empathy exercise and then a civil dialogue exercise in which you will find a topic with which you disagree with your partner.
Step 1: American Problem
Step 2: Civil Dialogue Defined
Step 3: Guidelines for Civil Dialogue
Step 4: Practice Empathy
Step 5: Debrief Empathy
Step 6: Practice Dialogue
Step 7: Debrief Dialogue
