The UC Berkeley History Social Science Project and the Integrated Action Civics Project are excited to lead a 2-day program sharing a powerful approach to leading structured, safe and productive controversial conversations in the classroom.
Event Description:
Deliberate Discourse - August 2026 Mini-Institute: A 2-part series sharing a protocol for leading safe and empathetic conversations in your classroom exploring multiple perspectives on controversial topics. Students research and explore the perspectives of different stakeholders while clarifying their own stance. Includes discussion on planning for deliberative discourse and navigating controversy in the classroom.
This strategy was developed by the Integrated Action Civics Project, a program of the UC Berkeley History-Social Science Project. We will also be joined by Dr. Eric Soto-Shed from the Harvard Graduate School of Education who will present his framework for addressing charged topics in the classroom.
Sessions will include:
- Special guest speaker, Eric Soto-Shed, Harvard Graduate School of Education.
- Considerations when choosing appropriate issues for deliberation.
- Framing questions to ensure a safe and productive conversation.
- A framework guiding adaptations for different intensities of controversy
- Responding to unplanned controversies
📅 Dates: August 3-4, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 noon, Pacific Time
$$ Cost: $ 125
- $100 each for groups of 4 or more; $100 early bird registration (before March 30, 2026)
- Payment link is available after you submit this form.
💻 Location: Zoom link sent before first session
✉️ Questions? Email [email protected]
✉️ Questions? Email [email protected]