1. Pedagogical Civility: Protecting and Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fashion Institute of Technology Spring Convocation January 25, 2018
Janie Harden Fritz Professor of Communication & Rhetorical Studies Duquesne University

2. Perspectives on Civility
Our historical moment: Marked by a crisis of incivility
We have been here before
Changing norms: Responding to the call
Civility: Protecting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion

3. Civility: An enduring ideal
We are different, and we must live together in community
Respect matters

4. Civility: A contested term with many inflections
Class distinctions
Unreflective adherence to community norms
Avoidance of controversial topics
Explicit persuasion in the public square

5. What about the context of education?
The first three approaches aren’t helpful
Some interactive guidelines needed to accomplish tasks
All cultures have politeness norms; authentic civility permits change
Education involves explicit engagement of critical thinking

6. The fourth approach might be more intense than some would desire
A potential way forward: A dialogic approach to civility tailored to education

7. Learning as common center: Focal point for a civility fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion
The dance metaphor extended
Civility in the classroom requires support at the institutional level; faculty members set the parameters at the local level

8. Classroom as community; civility as care for community
Pedagogical civility: Civil discourse practices for educational settings
The craft workshop: Instructors lead the way
Evaluation: Sociable expertise for the next generation

9. Guidelines for Pedagogical Civility in the Classroom
Set ground rules for discussion on the first day of class
Offer explicit definitions and examples of unacceptable and acceptable practices
Practice supportive wording of questions, challenges, and expressed disagreements
Employ metacommunication

10. Develop discernment and tact
Encourage student leadership
Consider conflicts as learning opportunities
Welcome mistakes

11. Unity of Contraries: Between Cynicism and Hope
Human beings are capable of great evil—and great good
We can make a difference