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The On Discourse team is pleased and grateful for the campus community’s support of the robust and wide-ranging programming sponsored or co-sponsored by the initiative this fall. This newsletter reflects the growing engagement with On Discourse across campus. We are excited not only to share the successes of this semester but also to look ahead to programming that will deepen and expand the work of On Discourse as a presidential campus initiative. We hope you also see in this work new possibilities for engagement for yourself and for your department.
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On Discourse Democracy Teaching Series
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While the north star of On Discourse continues to be encouraging constructive engagement across viewpoint and ideological difference, we recognize that such engagement requires not only listening but also a basic understanding of the issues being discussed, even, and especially, when those issues are contentious. This motivation shaped the development of the On Discourse Teaching Series, designed to deepen students’ and the broader campus community’s understanding of democracy in the United States.
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The programs were educational rather than advocacy-based, grounded in academic inquiry and open dialogue. Where divergent schools of thought exist, multiple perspectives were presented fairly and thoughtfully. Each session featured an introduction by a Furman professor with subject expertise, followed by 20-minute table conversations using discussion questions provided by the presenter. Pre- and post-surveys administered at the programs to assess learning and engagement indicated that students responded favorably.
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U.S. Democracy & Its Alternatives - Sept 10
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250 Years: The Declaration & Democracy - Oct 6
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Guardrails of Democracy? - Oct 6
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AI in the Liberal Arts - Oct 16
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Local & State Governance - Nov 3
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The Presidency and the Power to Lead - Nov 18
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On Discourse Designated Programs
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These are programs that elected to designate their events as aligning with the goals of On Discourse.
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If you would like more information on the On Discourse Sponsorship process for your event, please email David Fleming or Cynthia King.
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On Discourse Ambassadors
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The On Discourse Ambassadors added new energy to the overall program this year. We drew this year's group from the existing student groups on campus - including student government, religious organizations, identity groups, The Paladin, and others. The group of twelve Ambassadors that gathered last spring was brimming with ideas about how to get students speaking to one another across differences. They decided to focus on creating opportunities for discussion by producing a program called Pass the Mic where students were given a mic and a topic to address - such as "free speech on campus," "the value of DEI," and "men and women" - and asked to share their opinions with the world from Vaughn Plaza. The lunch-time programs sometimes drew a crowd, sometimes just a few passionate individuals. But civility reigned and friendships were made!
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On Discourse by the Numbers
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On Discourse Programming Photos
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Panel from the Local and State Governance Event - Nov 3
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Audience Small Group from the Local and State Governance Event - Nov 3
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Conservatives vs Reactionaries. Discuss. - Sept 23
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The American Dream according to Gen-Z - Oct 22
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Pizza & Politics - Sept 3 & Nov 5
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Spring 2026 Confirmed Programming
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We will announce specific dates for Spring 2026 programs in January.
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Democracy and Redistricting: The mathematical, scientific, and political consequences of redrawing lines
Dr. Casey Hawthorne (Mathematics) and Dr. Glen Halva-Neubauer (Politics and International Affairs)
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Democracies in the International Community
Dr. Kate Kaup (Politics and International Affairs)
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Democracy and Social Movements: How movements push for change and shape democratic life
Dr. Camille Lewis (Communication Studies)
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Democracy and the Criminal Justice System
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Dr. Geniece Monde (Sociology) and Panel
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Democracy and Civic Engagement: What does it mean to be civically engaged?
Dr. David Fleming (Politics and International Affairs)
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Democracy and Collective Memory: How representations of the past are used to shape contemporary public discourse
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Dr. Holly Pinheiro (History)
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Left. Right. Center? Can the political center be reclaimed, and should it?
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Dr. Kate Kaup (Politics and International Affairs)
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On Empathetic Listening: Understanding the stories of others
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Co-sponsored: On Discourse and My Neighbor's Voice
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Wishing you a well-deserved break and satisfying holiday season.
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Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date.
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