College Students: How To Share Political And Social Views In Class
College is a time of self discovery and development. For many, college is the first chance you have to define yourself and your beliefs without the constant influence of parents or guardians. You’ll be faced with numerous opportunities to discuss those burgeoning beliefs in class, but it can be difficult to know how to go about it.
Many of your classes, especially those in areas such as the arts or history or philosophy will bring up differences in social and political viewpoints and as such are an opportunity to discuss them. Discussing differing viewpoints is often encouraged and even expected in your classes, so you should not be afraid of doing so.
When you want to share political and social views in class, I suggest considering three things: relevance, helpfulness, and respectfulness.
1. Relevance
Is your political or social view relevant to the class/current discussion? Being relevant has more to it than simply being about the topic or related to it. Relevance means there is also a logical and understandable place or opportunity to bring up the issues.
For example, how you feel about the impact of a two party system in the United States is not inherently relevant to the discussion simply because you are in an American Politics class. Your thoughts on this issue would however be relevant when discussing the functioning of political parties and their impact on the political and social system.
2. Helpfulness
Does bringing up your particular social or political view add anything constructive to the conversation? If your answer to this question is no, then it is not a good time to bring up your views.
For example, if your view has already been expressed by someone else, then there is no need to restate the same thought process, instead you should just state your agreement.
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3. Respectfulness
Can you discuss your views and address potential differences of opinions in a mature and respectful manner?
Class is not the time or place to go off on political/social diatribes where you belittle, insult, or accuse others with different political and social beliefs. If you can’t share your views in a respectful manner or address disagreement, then it is better to keep them to yourself.
Lastly…
Another thing to remember is that when it comes to political and social views, not everyone will agree with you. Disagreement and debate are great learning opportunities and should be encouraged by the professor, but that same professor is also responsible for monitoring these conversations so nothing gets out of hand.
Differing opinions may also include your professors, but if they are being presented in a reasonable and respectful manner problems should not occur. If a professor does retaliate against you or belittle you because your opinion differs from theirs, then you should bring the issue to your Dean.
When you want to share your views make sure that what you have to add is relevant, helpful, and respectful. If your views follow these three guidelines then you can bring them up by asking questions that relate the views to the topic, address them during small and class wide discussion groups/boards, or even in your papers.
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! I’m Madeline Jefferson. I am a freelance writer, editor, and designer who has a wide breadth of experience and knowledge on many subjects including: fiction writing, religion, law, politics, history, literature, chronic illness, and mental health. I have a B.A. in Religion and Middle Eastern Studies from Washington and Lee University. As a freelancer I offer services such as: blog writing, copywriting, ghostwriting, manuscript editing, and print and digital design. You can find me on: LinkedIn; Twitter, Instagram; and on my website: https://www.madelinejefferson.com/.
