The Art of Civil Discourse

The ability to communicate effectively and with civility is a critical skill for students of any age. “The Art of Civil Discourse” is a 7.5-week summer class that helps students prepare and deliver a speech, sharpen their listening skills, and engage in considerate and productive conversation with others, especially on controversial topics. As textbooks, we will use Mortimer Adler’s How to Speak, How to Listen (Collier, 1985), and Steven Michael Selzer's Civility: George Washington's 110 Rules for Today (Andrew McMeel Publishing, 2019). (Note that some portions of the Adler text such as the chapters on the lecture and sales talk will be adapted to the needs of a student audience). Class meets once per week for 1.5 hours via Zoom and is suitable for mature students in grades 7-12. An adult section of the course is also available.