How to Talk About Hot Topics on Campus – From Polarization to Moral Conversation

How to Talk About Hot Topics on Campus

How to Talk About Hot Topics on Campus fills a gap in the literature by providing a resource that shows how to construct and carry out difficult conversations from various vantage points in the academy. It offers a theory-to-practice model of conversation for the entire college campus that will enable all constituencies to engage in productive and civil dialogue on the most difficult and controversial social, religious, political, and cultural topics.

How to Talk About Hot Topics on Campus covers teaching highly controversial, potentially provocative subject matter as well as creating an institutional culture that welcomes and nourishes difficult conversations throughout campus life. The book speaks to faculty, student affairs staff, administrators, and students in all campus venues.

Based on their experiences both in and out of classroom settings, Robert J. Nash, DeMethra LaSha Bradley, and Arthur W. Chickering outline a proven process they call moral conversation. Using concrete frameworks, ground rules, and examples, the authors clearly demonstrate how to put moral conversation into action. They map out how to justify, compose, launch, and facilitate respectful and engaging conversations about even the most controversial topics.