1. Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations (OIIR)
University of Illinois
EPSY 203: Social Issues Group Dialogue
Conservative/Liberal Fall 2014
Meets Wednesdays, 3:00-4:50pm,
Education Building 389
Scott Bidner
sbidner@illinois.edu
Office Hours: By Appointment
Micah Heumann
mheumann@illinois.edu
Office Hours: by appointment
Course Objectives
This course introduces students to the different aspects of political relations in the United States by
having students explore the histories, social contexts, and ideas that have shaped their experiences as
conservative and liberal students. We will be exploring five main areas:
1) Our own political identities
2) Group similarities and differences
3) The history between our groups and its legacy for contemporary life
4) Institutional and cultural factors that influence individual and group experiences in the context of
structural and social inequality
5) Roles and factors in working with and across differences
Through these objectives, we hope to achieve the following six learning outcomes:
1) Self-reflection
2) Perspective taking
3) Multi-layered listening
4) Expanding knowledge / correcting misinformation
5) Strong-sense critical thinking
6) Strong sense critical inquiry
Course Method
This course uses a structured, intergroup dialogue format that requires participation in both class
discourse and activities. You are encouraged to bring personal experiences and perspectives to the
critical analysis of weekly readings and dialogue topics. We use experiential learning exercises in
addition to the weekly readings, reflective writing assignments, and intergroup dialogue.
We, as the instructors/facilitators for this course, work to create a learning environment where students
can feel safe to explore the topics, be challenged by them, and engage with their fellow students.
Course Grading
This course based on 100-points. You will earn a letter grade according to the scale below.
Grading Scale:
97 –100% = A+ 97-100 pts
94 – 96% = A 94-96 pts
90 - 93% = A- 90-93 pts
87 - 89% = B+ 87-89 pts
84 - 86% = B 84-86 pts
80 - 83% = B- 80-83 pts
77 - 79% = C+ 77-79 pts
74 - 76% = C 74-76 pts
70 - 73% = C- 70-73 pts
67 - 69% = D+ 67-69 pts
64 - 66% = D 64-66 pts
60 - 63% = D- 60-63 pts
59% = F 59 pts or 

2. Participation: 42 points (7 class sessions, up to 6 points each)
 Attendance is mandatory. It imperative that everyone is present for our collective learning to reach its
fullest potential.
 Unexcused absences will result in a participation grade of 0 points. An excused absence requires a
letter from the Dean of Student’s Office or McKinley Health. Participation points for excused
absences will be based upon your average participation score for the course.
 Being late to class or leaving early will result in the loss of 1 participation point per occurrence.
 Turn off cell phones, mp3 players and other electronic devices. Points can be taken off for electronic
distractions.
 It is vital that you come prepared every week to discuss the readings, actively participate in
dialogues/activities, and be willing to work toward the learning outcomes articulated in the course
objectives. Active participation is not simply talking a lot. It is demonstrating an ability to engage
in self-reflection, perspective taking, empathetic listening and strong sense critical thinking.
 1-2 points = little to no relevant, coherent voluntary participation in the dialogue; no risk-taking
(personal sharing); little to no evidence of multi-layered listening, self-reflection, perspective
taking, strong sense critical thinking/ inquiry. Succinctly, very little meaningful engagement in the
dialogue.
 3-4 points = some relevant, coherent voluntary participation in the dialogue; some evidence of
risk-taking (personal sharing); some evidence of multi-layered listening, self reflection,
perspective taking; and minimal strong sense critical thinking and/or inquiry. Succinctly, some
meaningful in engagement in the dialogue.
 5-6 points = high level of relevant, coherent voluntary participation in the dialogue; high risk-
taking (personal sharing); good evidence of perspective taking, multi-layered listening, self-
reflection; and some strong sense critical thinking and/or inquiry. Succinctly, high levels of
meaningful, well-reasoned engagement in the dialogue.
Reflective Writing Assignments (RWA): 40 points (5 RWA’s, 8 points each)
 The reflective writing assignments are designed to give you an opportunity to reflect on your learning
through writing and to help you delve more deeply into the ideas and perspectives that emerge from
our dialogue and readings.
 2-3 pages, typed and double-spaced only, one inch margins on all sides, name and RWA# on line
one, no title
 RWAs are due by 3 pm on the Sunday before class. They should be submitted by email as an
attachment to both instructors (sbidner@illinois.edu and mheumann@illinois.edu ).
 If an RWA is turned in after 5 pm on Sunday but before the start of the next class session, it will be
graded down one point. Anything after that will be graded down two points.
 1-2 point = does not fully address the question(s) posed; does not incorporate key concepts from
the readings; little to no integration of relevant personal insights and experiential knowledge; no
evidence of self-reflection, perspective taking or strong sense critical thinking/inquiry. Succinctly,
the RWA displays little or no evidence of thoughtful reflection.
 3-5 points = addresses questions somewhat; some incorporation of key concepts from the
readings; some integration of relevant personal insights and experiential knowing; some self-
reflection, perspective taking; minimal strong sense critical thinking and/or inquiry. Succinctly, the
RWA show some evidence of thoughtful reflection.
 6-7 points = fully addresses the questions; follows the required format; incorporates
appropriate/relevant concepts from the readings; high integration of relevant personal insights
and experiential knowledge; evidence of self-reflection, perspective taking; and some strong
sense critical thinking and/or inquiry. Overall, the RWA is very thoughtful and displays an
appreciable effort to achieve the learning objective.
Critical Reflection Paper (CRP): 18 points
A detailed assignment will be handed out in class. Due date to be announced.

3. Extra Credit: 6 points
Extra credit can be chosen from among the following suggestions:
1. Write an extra reflection in the journal based on a recommended reading or attending an event
related to a political perspective other than your own (a lecture, a panel discussion, a meeting).
(2 points)
2. Do an extra journal entry based on one of the following questions: (2 points)
a. How can we explore the impact that politics has had on our campus in general, and
residential life in particular?
b. What is the role of politics in your major or discipline?
c. How can we best prepare students for life and work in a politically diverse world?
3. Respond to a class discussion. Describe how it impacted you, your emotional responses and any
changes in opinions. (2 points)
Requests for Special Accommodations
If you have a disability, which may impact your performance in this class, please see the instructors so we
can discuss accommodations that will allow you to fully participate and fulfill the course requirements.
Further information regarding accommodation for students with disabilities is available at the Division of
Rehabilitation-Education Services (DRES). You may reach DRES personnel via email at
disability@uiuc,edu, via web at www.disability.uiuc.edu, or via telephone at 217-333-4603.
Academic Integrity
All students are held to the current Student Code whether they have read it or not. You are strongly
encouraged to familiarize yourself with this document, as it will be adhered to strictly. Find the code via
the following link: www.admin.uiuc.edu/policy/code.index.html.
Tentative Class Schedule
Week Theme Due at the beginning of class:
10/22 On Dialogue &
Democratic Ideals
Required Reading: Flick: “From Debate to Dialogue;”
10/29 Dialogue and
Oppression
Required Reading: TBA
RWA #
11/5 Dialogue and
Propaganda
Readings:
RWA #
11/12 Hot Topic 1 Required Readings: TBA
RWA #
11/19 Hot Topic 2 Required Readings: TBA
RWA #
11/26 No Class Fall Break!!!
12/3 Hot Topic 3 Required Readings: TBA
RWA #
12/10 Political
Action/Allies
Required Readings: TBA
RWA #
Final Project TBA