Class Decorum
A primary goal for this class is to develop our skills as advocates and citizens on highly controversial issues, and “freedom of speech” is among the most the most contentious issues that occupies public debate in a democratic society. Reasonable people disagree about the meanings of the First Amendment and the nature and scope of “free speech.” Such disagreement is a good thing and the maintenance of a robust democratic culture demands that we learn how to negotiate such differences with both passion and respect for other points of view. To this end, please note that having strong opinions does not absolve one from the need to listen carefully to and/or engage opposing opinions. By the same token, not having strong opinions does not absolve one from the need to take “make up your mind” on important issues that effect the communities in which you live: In this class we will start with the assumption that the issues before us are important and controversial civic concerns and that productive citizens have a responsibility to engage in them intellectually, and both aggressively and with civility. While it is, in part, my role as instructor to make sure that all competing views get a fair hearing within class discussions, it is also the responsibility of every citizen to work towards the same end.