Furman’s On Discourse teaches students to communicate across differences

Furman University’s On Discourse campus initiative is entering its third year by tackling a topic essential for students to be able to discuss, no matter their background: Democracy.

On Discourse launched in 2023 to help all students navigate an increasingly polarized social and political landscape by facilitating conversations among people with differing viewpoints, especially on challenging issues. The first On Discourse event of this academic year, held Sept. 10, explored “U.S. Democracy and Its Alternatives” After a presentation by Brent Nelsen, the Jane Fishburne Hipp Professor of Politics and International Affairs and director of the Tocqueville Center, students participated in structured small-group discussions, giving them the opportunity to share diverse views.

Brent Nelsen, professor of politics and international affairs, moderates an “election dissection” panel discussion on Nov. 8, 2024, as part of On Discourse.

“Structured conversations, such as those used in our teaching series on democracy, provide students with the opportunity to connect the concepts they learn to their own experiences and civic roles,” said David Fleming, professor of politics and international affairs and sponsor of “U.S. Democracy and Its Alternatives.”

Nelsen and Cynthia King, associate dean of academic community, serve as co-directors of On Discourse.

King said the program, which is open to all students, has featured on-campus Cultural Life Program events with experts discussing divergent views on current or historical political divides, public discourse and other controversial or challenging topics. Other events are skill workshops focused on building practical tools for dialogue: listening, speaking and navigating conversations across differences.

Topics have included American populism, United States participation in the World Health Organization, a 2024 presidential debate viewing event and discussion and a Riley Institute-presented dialogue on college admissions following the end of affirmative action.

“We want to encourage entering these conversations with a solid understanding and a genuine curiosity about how others see the issue and why they view it that way,” King said.

Cynthia King, associate dean of academic community, serves as co-director of the On Discourse campus initiative with the Jane Fishburne Hipp Professor of Politics and International Affairs and Tocqueville Center Director Brent Nelsen.

Outside of campus events, Nelsen said he and other professors incorporate On Discourse discussions in the classroom. He’s facilitating student involvement through On Discourse student ambassadors – members of student organizations who plan events and conversations among themselves that focus on discourse across differences.

“When we put aside politically polarizing labels like ‘liberal’ and ‘conservative’ and instead focus on the people engaging with public issues, that’s when healthy, constructive dialogue can occur,” said Alex Aradas ’26, politics and international affairs major from Rock Hill, South Carolina and an On Discourse student ambassador. “I encourage every student to participate in On Discourse events as everyone can benefit from these conversations when approached with respect and open-mindedness.”

In Spring 2025, On Discourse introduced a teach-in format designed to help students and the campus community better understand current hot-button political issues. Two teach-ins addressed the tariff policies of President Donald Trump’s administration and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency.

“Inspired by pressing public debates about the health of U.S. democracy, the series encourages students to apply what they learn to current issues while strengthening the dialogue skills democracy requires,” King said.

More than 80% of student attendees surveyed said these events gave them a stronger understanding of the topic, and more than three-quarters said they felt confident engaging in conversations about these subjects with someone who had a different opinion. Of the students surveyed, 92% of attendees said On Discourse’s programs were excellent or good at fostering meaningful engagement among participants.

For information on the On Discourse campus initiative, visit: furman.edu/on-discourse