The topics and issues to be covered in this course are complex — some are controversial — and reach deeply into our very social fabric.  The views and perspectives of those participating in the class will vary widely.  It is therefore essential to bear in mind that an important objective of the course is to share these views and perspectives within an intellectual setting where students, faculty and visitors (including our speakers) are encouraged and comfortable in doing so.  In this context our rules of engagement are common sense stuff.

DISCUSSION SESSIONS

Hear each other out during our discussions; insight comes in many flavors.  Ponder.  Engage with passion and conviction; convince us of your point of view.  But remember that "convincing" comes from preparation and insight, not from decibels nor repetition.  Listen to each other; better yet, hear each other.  Lively discussion is OK; communicating respectfully is essential.

Come prepared and on time.  We expect all students to actively participate in the discussions.  We will certainly call on each of you to express your views and opinions on the discussion topics and reading assignments.

MONDAY LECTURES

We are fortunate in this course to be able to host a group of distinguished visiting speakers, both from within the Vanderbilt community and from outside Vanderbilt.  All visitors to the class will, upon departing, become our diplomats.  We will thus treat our visiting speakers with utmost courtesy.  Be on time to the lectures.  Be alert.  Remain quiet during the lectures unless the speakers open the floor for input.  Enjoy our visitors.  Engage them during the question-and-answer periods following their lectures.  Do so with conviction and insight... and poise.