Message from the Director
The American University Project on Civil Discourse is led by Director Lara Schwartz, who teaches in the AU School of Public Affairs.
Contact Us
Project on Civil Discourse
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States
The Project on Civil Discourse
We are the architects of our voices
The American University Project on Civil Discourse encourages and supports students in understanding speech not only as a matter of rights, but of responsibilities, values, and opportunities. It works on the principle that each of us must be the architect of our own voice, choosing to use it in service of our goals and values and in a manner that contributes to our learning community.
Each voice includes a commitment to listening. Listening is a core competence for scholarship, careers, and life in a community. The way we listen—to understand rather than rebut; to connect rather than combat—also shapes the way we use our voices. The Project on Civil Discourse supports students in developing as listeners and as speakers. It starts with two questions: What do I want for myself? What do I want from myself?
Latest News
Lara Schwartz's latest Civil Discourse Series lecture on Productive Discourse was featured in the Gettysburgian.
Lara Schwartz was featured in a Washington Post article on family political discussions.
Lara Schwartz, Director of the Project on Civil Discourse, appeared on the Leading Equity Podcast, discussing civil discourse in the classroom.
The Director of SPA's Project on Civil Discourse, Lara Schwartz appeared on the Heterodox Academy Hall Hour of Heterodoxy Podcast discussing False Equivalence.
Lara Schwartz, appeared on a plenary panel at the Open Minds Conference to discuss “Successes, Strains, and Stories to Inspire.”
Political Discourse and the American Jewish Identity
What does it mean to be a Jew today in American political society? Panelists, Aaron Keyak, Former Communications Director for Rep. Jerry Nadler and Co-founder of Blue Light Strategies, Dr. Lauren Strauss, Professor of Modern Jewish History at American University, & Jason Benkendorf, Director of American University Hillel will explore the use of Jews and the issue of anti-Semitism as a political hacky sack by both the American political right and left. We will also consider the tension between marginalization and privilege within the American Jewish community.
Successes, Strains, and Stories to Inspire
Lara Schwartz on a panel at the Heterodox Academy Annual Conference
Past Events
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November 20: "What's With AU?" a panel discussion breaking down the mold of an AU student and the pressures they face.
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November 18: "American Jewish Identity," a discussion on the use of anti-Semitism in American politics.
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November 9: "The Picture of Dorian Gray Talkback," a discussion on separating art from artist.
