An Introduction to
Civil Discourse
SHANNON EDWARDS
Day 2
Essential Question:
What is civil discourse and how does it relate to this class?
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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).
• Tension
• Open
• Accept
• Establish
• Goals
• Kind
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.
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.
• Tension
• Open
• Accept
• Establish
• Goals
• Kind
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.
Word Webs
Let’s review:
Synonyms
• considerate
• respectful
Related words
• civ (root word)
• civilization
• civilian
Definition
• adjective
• relating to citizens and their concerns
Civil
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.
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Why does civil discourse matter in school?
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
“One of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.”
—ARTICLE 1, UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
United Nations
—MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Civil Rights Leader
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.�