How to Teach a Course on Deliberation John Gastil (U Washington) Bill Keith (UW-Milwaukee)
Dialogue and Deliberation Public dialogue: Open-ended exploration of different perspectives and experiences to reach mutual understanding. Democratic deliberation: Rigorous and respectful examination of an issue to reach a shared judgment or decision.
Learning Goals Learning the history of deliberation and civic engagement Develop practical skill at different forms of deliberation and dialogue Gain ability to give a deliberative critique of contemporary public discourse and media
Selected Texts
Broad Conception of Deliberation Analytic Process Create a solid information base Prioritize the key values at stake Identify a broad range of solutions Weigh solution pros, cons, and tradeoffs Social Process Adequately distribute speaking opportunities Ensure mutual comprehension Consider other ideas and experiences Respect other participants
Deliberative Contexts ContextKey ElementActivity
Deliberative Contexts ContextKey ElementActivity ConversationConsideration Informal conversation
Deliberative Contexts ContextKey ElementActivity ConversationConsideration Informal conversation Structured discussion Tradeoffs National Issues Forum
Deliberative Contexts ContextKey ElementActivity ConversationConsideration Informal conversation Structured discussion Tradeoffs National Issues Forum MediaRespect Mediated delib. analysis
Deliberative Contexts ContextKey ElementActivity ConversationConsideration Informal conversation Structured discussion Tradeoffs National Issues Forum MediaRespect Mediated delib. analysis ElectionsAlternatives Initiative review Citizen Jury
Deliberative Contexts (cont.) ContextKey ElementActivity
Deliberative Contexts (cont.) ContextKey ElementActivity Gov’tSpeaking opps. Parliamentary procedure
Deliberative Contexts (cont.) ContextKey ElementActivity Gov’tSpeaking opps. Parliamentary procedure JuriesInfo. bascMock jury
Deliberative Contexts (cont.) ContextKey ElementActivity Gov’tSpeaking opps. Parliamentary procedure JuriesInfo. bascMock jury Pub. Mtngs.Values 21 st century town meeting
Deliberative Contexts (cont.) ContextKey ElementActivity Gov’tSpeaking opps. Parliamentary procedure JuriesInfo. bascMock jury Pub. Mtngs.Values 21 st century town meeting Commun/Intl.Comprehensn. Dialogue on diversity
Mediated Deliberation Exercise
How civil was the discourse about Rossi? 1.Lacks proper motivations 2.Lacks ability 3.Positive 4.Can’t tell
How civil was the discourse about Gregoire? 1.Lacks proper motivations 2.Lacks ability 3.Positive 4.Can’t tell
Op-Ed based on class exercise