WKU News

Honors 251 Citizen and Self students at Western Kentucky University will host a series of deliberative dialogues Nov. 7 through Nov. 18, 2022. Each campus conversation will last for 45 minutes to an hour and will be in-person. The schedule of dialogues, as well as registration information, can be found for each class below:

Professor Thompson's Deliberative Dialogue Schedule and Registrations

Professor Dodd's Deliberative Dialogue Schedule and Registrations

During a deliberative dialogue, small groups are presented with a social problem and three options for addressing the issue. The participants in each group, with the help of a student moderator from the Mahurin Honors College, will deliberate each option and collectively decide on what they feel is the best course of action.  

Regarding the value of deliberative dialogue, Instructor Leah Thompson says,“Dialogues are an extremely effective way to explore social issues with people who may or may not share your beliefs, values, and opinions in a safe environment...the goal is not to change people’s minds about how they feel about the issue but to decide collectively what participants can or cannot live with when considering potential solutions.” 

Unlike a debate, a lecture, or airing of grievances, the goal of deliberation is to find common ground between participants of differing opinions. Danielle Williams, a teaching fellow for HON 251, says dialogue is “a skill that must be practiced by all generations as a step towards creating a version of impartiality with issues that society must fight to remedy.” 

The deliberative dialogues are not only an opportunity for MHC students to apply and showcase their skills and knowledge developed in HON 251 but also an opportunity for the broader campus and community to participate in guided discussions of current events. The sessions are open to all WKU students, faculty, staff, administrators, as well as friends and family.  

Registration is required, and spots are available on a first come first serve basis. Please see schedule of dialogues and registration links and direct any questions towards HON 251 instructor, Leah Thompson (leah.thompson@wku.edu).