Constitutional Foundations: Introduction

Discussion Guidelines

students sitting in a classroom having a discussion

For the study of American politics we will use a variety of sources. You will collaborate with classmates as well as participate in discussions. How will you know which sources are valid?

Many of us "consider the source" as one important way of determining the validity of opinions. We will have many discussions in class in which people will be asked to express an opinion or evaluate ideas. It is easier to "speak freely" if we know and respect each other, so this first activity is designed to begin learning about your classmates.

Government is about ideas, and ideas are meant to be discussed, challenged, and refined. Discussions will help you clarify your own thoughts and ideas.

Many times in the class we will discuss ideas about which there are a variety of opinions, much disagreement, and no one right answer. So, it is appropriate to establish guidelines for political discussion:

  1. When discussing another person’s ideas, paraphrase the idea before offering your own comments. This will assure that you understand the original thought.
  2. Ideas are often about values. Ideas may be challenged, but not the person promoting them.
  3. One may agree or disagree with an idea, but derogatory labels such as "stupid" or "ridiculous" are not appropriate.
  4. In your discussions you might challenge ideas of others; follow these guidelines for challenging an idea:

    • It is okay to challenge an idea by asking for specific evidence, the source of information, or pointing out bias in the conclusions or evidence. This practice expands information about the thoughts without insulting the writer and can result in interesting discussions.
    • You may also challenge an idea by offering an alternative and discussing the reasons you support something different.
  5. Share your own ideas and not those of your friends and your family. It’s important to think for yourself in this course and learn to express your own ideas.

Keep these guidelines in mind as you participate in class discussions, so that we may have vigorous and thoughtful discussions. From time to time in class you may be reminded of these guidelines.