 This week’s faculty in focus is Dr. Emily Stacey, Professor of Political Science and Program Coordinator at Rose State College.
As a Periclean Fellow, Dr. Stacey integrated deliberative dialogues into two political science courses. The first course, Introduction to Mass Media & Politics, provided a comprehensive survey of both international and American media systems, exploring traditional and digital media and their role in shaping civic participation and political behavior. The second course, American Federal Government offered an overview of key constitutional principles, major U.S. political institutions, and contemporary political issues. Both courses featured deliberative dialogues on four key topics: reducing hyperpartisanship, censorship legislation and free speech, youth and economic opportunity, and voting rights for incarcerated individuals. Using prompts and resources from our deliberative dialogue modules, students conducted independent research to develop informed perspectives. Class discussions encouraged them to explore these issues, consider diverse viewpoints, and assess potential political actions. Through this process, students became more confident in engaging in civil discourse. Reflecting on the value of deliberative dialogue, Dr. Stacey shared, “Discourse is key to a democracy, but can be daunting and intimidating in the hyperpolarized political environment that we live in. Deliberative Dialogue modules allow students to approach issues from different perspectives, grounded in fact- based information, and convey their opinions and thoughts to their peers. This experience makes them more willing to do so in the greater community and democracy.” Dr. Stacey’s work demonstrates the power of deliberative dialogue in fostering thoughtful, respectful conversations about complex issues. By creating spaces where students can explore diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful discussions, she is helping to prepare the next generation of informed empathetic citizens ready to participate in our democracy.  This week’s Faculty in Focus is Lou Martin, Professor of History at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
For his Spring 2024 course, Oral History and Coalfield Communities, Professor Martin partnered with the Center for Coalfield Justice (CCJ) and the West Virginia Regional History Center to connect students with coal industry workers and their historices, fostering dialogue across geographic and cultural divides. The Center for Coalfield Justice, originally founded as an advocacy group focused on the environmental impact of coal mining, has since expanded its mission to include collaborating with communities in southwestern Pennsylvania affected by the decline of the mining industry. As part of the course, CCJ paired students with local residents who had worked as miners or held other roles in the coal industry. Through interviews, students captured personal narratives that were then added to CCJ’s historical archive and the West Virginia Regional History Center’s collection, preserving these diverse voices for future generations. |
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