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

by Robert J. Nash, DeMethra LaSha Bradley, Arthur W. Chickering

How to Talk About Hot Topics on Campus fills a gap in the student services and teaching and learning 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.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 4, 2008

Reviews

[Linda Branham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reading this book for a discussion group on campus. The group is not meeting due to the "stay at home orders" because of COvid-19. I finished the book anyway
It is a good book about how instructors can talk with students on campus about touchy topics. I enjoyed the discussion group

[Tama · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dean's Council read this book as part of our professional development for a this year. The book if focused on encouraging pluralistic conversations, mostly focused on student situations. I remember reading some of Nasn's work in my urban ed work. There were three chapters written by three leaders in the field. I liked Nash's chapter focusing on socioeconomic status versus students who may not have the same life experiences or opportunities and how this is hidden to many. He talked about students buying cell phones because others had them, although they could not afford them. He also talked about referencing experiences that only select students could relate to. Wasn't the most inspirational book I've read and it did not address how to honor a student's personal perspective.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. It gives academics the tools that they need to break down the divisive, negative talk coming of out most people these days, and focus on the heart of moral conversation: understanding. There are a number of schools adopting these guidelines for difficult (and regular) dialogues, but these strategies can be used just about anywhere. You just need to people who are willing to have a conversation, not a contest.