Title: Respectful Discourse - does it matter?
Course: SOC 130 RTZ > Section: Week 1 - AFTER READING INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE; Start here!

Things to think about & to now discuss in this DB response– (the following paragraph is what I want you to talk about in your DB posting.

Must we always agree? Is there a definitively correct answer all the time? Does our sociological imagination get stifled by agreeing with one another? Does a discourse always bring forth a solution? Does a charged debate or discourse mean that we cannot still be close/respectful friends, colleagues, or family members?

BEFORE you respond to the above thoughts consider the following thoughts and video.

It is essential that we all engage in a discourse that promotes civility, respect, and challenges to our assumptions – pushing our sociological imagination.

As we move forward in the course, topics can become increasingly emotionally, politically, and socially charged: The key is to exude critical thinking along with patience and civility. Tolerance is a familiar term to most ,so if that is the term you rely on to be civil then please show tolerance. Although, I see tolerance as a skill for those that have ingrained themselves in negative assumptions and prejudices. I am sure you are the type of students that are here to learn to rid yourself of ignorance and assumptions. I find the word tolerance to be an insult to your intelligence. Could you walk up to a person and say to them I tolerate you and expect to be received well or have them not question your intents? Try for civility and respect, it should serve you well and show your ability to think critically.

Please watch the following video, from what some might see as an unlikely source- well said...

http://youtu.be/Nzt3WCSuVc8

Final thoughts and a note on how to be sure you are being critical and not taking discussion personally - but academically!

    - Take a few minutes to read your DB's out loud - do you feel your pulse racing and your voice rising? Maybe this is a more emotional response than a critical one
    - Read it to a peer and ask them if they see it as emotional or academic
    - Did you write it without a single thought about the class structure, goals of the discussion, or reading the chapter or other materials?
    - Did you write it in less than 10-30 minutes of focus or reflection from your readings and videos?
    - Are you basing all your comments from assumptions and prior 'knowledge'
    - Did you provide any references to your readings or videos to prove your critical academic points?
    - Did you write in complete and clear sentences?

Before you submit, walk away and come back if you feel that you are not doing your most ACADEMIC work... it is better to take a break and be sure you are representing yourself as you want others to see you.

Discussion Board Criteria is listed in syllabus and applies to ALL DB's each week!

This is the second DB due for week 1.