Leila Brammer: Democratic Discourse in the Classroom

405 North Main Street,Davidson NC 28035

22 March, 2022

Description

Democratic Discourse in the Classroom: Lessons from the University of Chicago’s Parrhesia Program Discourse rests at the nexus of academic inquiry, freedom of expression, democratic practices, and civic education. The testing and refining of ideas necessary for academic and civic inquiry depend on the ability to seek out and engage multiple perspectives, differences, and disagreements. Through an examination and application of discourse theory, this session explores principles and practices to develop student capacities for engaging and facilitating vigorous, inclusive, and productive discourse. Leila Brammer is the Director of the Parrhesia Program for Public Discourse at the University of Chicago. Rooted in the Chicago Principles of Freedom of Expression, the Parrhesia Program curricula, programming, and outreach seek to foster the capacity for vigorous, inclusive, and productive discourse in the classroom, campus, and civic life. Building on the history and theory of freedom of expression and rhetoric, the curriculum and programming promote and model academic and civic practices of dialogue, deliberation, and advocacy. Outreach efforts include workshops and seminars for college/university and high school faculty and students to explore and embed both the principles and practices of open discourse in curricula, campus life, and surrounding communities. Previously, Dr. Brammer developed a civic engagement curriculum and public deliberation and dialogue program at Gustavus Adolphus College that were recognized nationally by the American Association of Colleges and Universities and the National Communication Association. In her work in public deliberation and dialogue, Dr. Brammer builds and facilitates frameworks in which community members come to understand problems from multiple perspectives and work together to develop evidence-based approaches to address challenging civic issues.