Director of the Humanities Research Group, Professor Kim Nelson, speaking at a past talk at the University of Windsor. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/ University of Windsor)
What defines “civil” discourse, and how do power, privilege and social context shape it?
University of Windsor Humanities Research Group director Kim Nelson will take part in a public talk at Concordia University, Civil Discourse on Campus: Controversies, Challenges and Opportunities, examining the meaning and limits of civil discourse.
The talk explores what can be said, how and by whom, and the place of “civil” discourse on university campuses. It raises questions about how civility is defined, how power and privilege shape discourse, and whether all speech deserves a civil response.
The free public event will be held on the Concordia University campus on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. It will also be available via livestream on YouTube and through Zoom.
As a leading voice on campus dialogue, Nelson — along with Randy Boyagody, an English professor and adviser on civil discourse at the University of Toronto, and Marc Lafrance, a sociology professor and special adviser to the provost on campus life at Concordia University — will offer an in-depth discussion on the complexities of meaningful debate on today’s university campuses.
Nelson will explain how civil discourse has been derailed by our adherence to narratives over principles of civility, leading to a competition of narratives staked in power, whether political, financial, algorithmic, institutional, bureaucratic, or social.
She will also explore the human instincts and behaviours that shape campus dialogue and discuss how universities can model principles for civil discourse that encourage humility, humour and more thoughtful, respectful exchanges.
Those interested can attend in person or online by registering for the Zoom event or watching live on YouTube.