Activity:  What is a CIVIC DISCUSSION?

If CIVIC means “of or relating to the citizen, or of good citizenship and its rights and duties,” and the word DISCUSSION means “Conversation concerning a particular topic,” THEN, what do you think a CIVIC DISCUSSION might be?  

How might it be different from an ordinary discussion with a friend?  

How might a CIVIC DISCUSSION be different from (and similar to) a debate and/or an argument?  Can you have a CIVIL discussion without it being a CIVIC discussion?  

Why might Civic Discussions be important enough to be included in the standards we are to reach this year?

What would be acceptable evidence of you participating in a civic discussion?

 Be prepared to share out your thoughts on the questions above.