Psychology
of Gender: Rules for Discussion
Psychology
342 -- Fall 1999 -- Dordt College --
Dr. Lantinga
The Psychology of Gender course provides a forum
for discussing controversial or sensitive issues regarding gender within
an atmosphere of humility and respect. You will likely find some
of your preconceptions and perspectives challenged; the conversation may
get heated or uncomfortable. Please be as honest as possible with
yourself when considering your own opinions – don’t just hide behind others'
opinions -- and recognize that learning and growth often require discomfort.
The class will be most successful if every
student takes responsibility for contributing
to the discussions.
This class should be a safe place for learning to think about and openly
discuss hard topics. Keep in mind that we are kicking around ideas
– not people. To ensure that we have an open discussion where we
can hear all opinions, we will abide by the following rules:
-
Assume
that everyone, like you, is seeking truth. Listen in a spirit of
humility so you can learn from others, painful though that process may
be. One technique to try is to honestly ask yourself "what if what
I believe about this really is wrong, and his/her perspective really is
right?" Keep this question in mind to help you non-defensively consider
others' ideas.
-
Every
person is treated with respect. No personal attacks or comments.
Say “I don’t understand how those ideas relate” rather than “You can’t
really believe that.” Ask clarifying questions
rather than making judgments about people..
-
Listen
carefully to each other – if you are thinking about how you're going to
respond, you are probably not listening.
-
No
interruptions. To respond to someone speaking, raise your hand and
the discussion leader will note that you will speak next. When many
hands are raised, the leader will choose those who have not yet spoken
to continue the discussion.
-
After
the class is over, opinions can be discussed, but not people. That
is, you could say to your friends later “Here’s one of the ideas that came
up in class today” but not “You wouldn’t believe what Virgil said!”
If you think
that you will not be able to abide by any of these rules,
leave the discussion
immediately.
We must maintain
an atmosphere for open discussion in order for the class to be successful.
rules
based on work by Tim Slaper, Ph.D., 98-99 bus/econ candidate at Dordt
College
this page last revised 8/17/99
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