How to Teach a Course on Deliberation
John Gastil (U Washington)
Bill Keith (UW-Milwaukee)
Dialogue and Deliberation
• Public dialogue: Open-ended exploration of different perspectives and experiences to reach mutual understanding.
• Democratic deliberation: Rigorous and respectful examination of an issue to reach a shared judgment or decision.
Learning Goals
• Learning the history of deliberation and civic engagement
• Develop practical skill at different forms of deliberation and dialogue
• Gain ability to give a deliberative critique of contemporary public discourse and media
Selected Texts
Broad Conception of Deliberation
Analytic Process• Create a solid information base• Prioritize the key values at stake• Identify a broad range of solutions• Weigh solution pros, cons, and tradeoffs
Social Process• Adequately distribute speaking opportunities• Ensure mutual comprehension• Consider other ideas and experiences• Respect other participants
Deliberative Contexts
Context Key Element Activity
Deliberative Contexts
Context Key Element Activity
Conversation ConsiderationInformal
conversation
Deliberative Contexts
Context Key Element Activity
Conversation ConsiderationInformal
conversation
Structured discussion
TradeoffsNational Issues
Forum
Deliberative Contexts
Context Key Element Activity
Conversation ConsiderationInformal
conversation
Structured discussion
TradeoffsNational Issues
Forum
Media RespectMediated delib.
analysis
Deliberative Contexts
Context Key Element Activity
Conversation ConsiderationInformal
conversation
Structured discussion
TradeoffsNational Issues
Forum
Media RespectMediated delib.
analysis
Elections AlternativesInitiative review
Citizen Jury
Deliberative Contexts (cont.)
Context Key Element Activity
Deliberative Contexts (cont.)
Context Key Element Activity
Gov’t Speaking opps.Parliamentary
procedure
Deliberative Contexts (cont.)
Context Key Element Activity
Gov’t Speaking opps.Parliamentary
procedure
Juries Info. basc Mock jury
Deliberative Contexts (cont.)
Context Key Element Activity
Gov’t Speaking opps.Parliamentary
procedure
Juries Info. basc Mock jury
Pub. Mtngs. Values21st century
town meeting
Deliberative Contexts (cont.)
Context Key Element Activity
Gov’t Speaking opps.Parliamentary
procedure
Juries Info. basc Mock jury
Pub. Mtngs. Values21st century
town meeting
Commun/Intl. Comprehensn.Dialogue on
diversity
Mediated Deliberation Exercise
How civil was the discourse about Rossi?
69%12%
4%
15%
Lacks proper moti... Lacks ability
Positive Can’t tell
1. Lacks proper motivations
2. Lacks ability3. Positive4. Can’t tell
How civil was the discourse about Gregoire?
33%
38%
4%
25%
Lacks proper moti... Lacks ability
Positive Can’t tell
1. Lacks proper motivations
2. Lacks ability
3. Positive
4. Can’t tell
Op-Ed based on class exercise
Distribution of Favorable/Critical Coverage in 2004 Seattle Post-Itelligencer and Times
Favorable to Gregoire
Favorable to Rossi
Critical ofRossi
Critical of Gregoire
21%
33% 24%
23%
Distribution of Favorable/Critical Coverage in 2004 Seattle Post-Itelligencer and Times
Favorable to Gregoire
Favorable to Rossi
Critical ofRossi
Critical of Gregoire
21%
33% 24%
23%