An Introduction to
Civil Discourse
SHANNON EDWARDS
Day 3
Essential Question:
What is civil discourse and how does it relate to this class?
ThePhoto by PhotoAuthor is licensed under CCYYSA.
Content
• Definitions
• Author’s Purpose Learning Target
• Word Web Group Practice
• Class Discussion
Vocabulary
Civil discourse is “robust, honest, frank, and constructive dialogue and deliberation that seeks to advance the public interest” (National Institute for Civil Discourse).
• Discourse
• Civil
• Assert
• Controversial
• Perspective
• Wonder
Author’s Purpose Learning Target
• In this class, any creator of communication such as art, music, or speech, is considered the author.
• The ELA author’s purpose standard for grades 9-10 is; “Determine and author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that purpose.”
• Rhetoric is a broad term that relates to the tools or devices a person uses to communicate.
• Logos is an example of rhetoric that relates to how a speaker uses logic to appeal to an audience.
• Pathos is a type of rhetoric that relates to how a speaker uses emotion to appeal to an audience.
Word Webs
Let’s review:
Synonyms
• considerate
• respectful
Related words
• civ (root word)
• civilization
• civilian
Definition
• adjective
• relating to citizens and their concerns
Civil
Group Instructions
1. Individual work (4 minutes)
• Complete a word web or other organizer for your assigned word.
2. First group rotation (4 minutes)
• Revise your notes with your first group and add missing information.
2. Second group rotation (8 minutes)
• Share your notes for all the words with your new group.
• Write a definition for civil discourse that a middle school student would understand.
Vocabulary
Organize notes to record synonyms, related words, and definition for each word. Create a chart, outline, web, Cornell, or any format you wish. We will work on the notes together.
• Discourse
• Civil
• Assert
• Controversial
• Perspective
• Wonder
Word Webs
Now you try!
Synonyms
• example
• example
Related words
• example (root word)
• example translation
Definition
• part of speech
• simple definition
Vocabulary word
Class Discussion
Let’s practice what we learned.
ThePhoto by PhotoAuthor is licensed under CCYYSA.
Why does civil discourse matter in school?
I'm not shy about heated debate or passionate discourse, but when people get crazy or rude, that's a buzz kill. There's got to be a better code of conduct, some basic etiquette.
Public discourse has been polluted now for decades by corporate-funded disinformation - not just with climate change but with a host of health, environmental and societal threats. The implications for the planet are grim.�
—MOS DEF
Conscious Hip Hop Artist
—MICHAEL E. MANN
Climatologist
Why does civil discourse matter in school?
• Remember to cite your source; include name and credentials (what job or title does the person have)
• Find your own quotation about civil discourse to share in a small group discussion.
• Check out Discourse Quotes - BrainyQuote to get started.
discussion.
• If you cannot find who said the quotation, DON'T USE IT!
�
�
Sphere Education Initiative works with �grades 5–12 educators and administrators to �provide them with the knowledge, experience, resources, and professional development opportunities to bring difficult conversations on the most pressing issues to the classroom and equip our country’s students to engage in civil dialogue. By bringing facts and reason to the conversation, and through emphasizing viewpoint diversity, Sphere works to rekindle �the foundation of civic culture in America.�