My lecturer doesn't allow discussion of certain topics or certain points of view.

First of all, put yourself in your lecturer's shoes. Her or his job is not just to give freedom of expression to students for its own sake; it is to ensure that learning takes place in a given subject to a formal university standard. What do you think the problem might be with these topics? Are the topics not relevant to the course? Are they the sort of topics that do not lend themselves to academic debate? Are they very controversial and contentious, so that a negative and hostile atmosphere might take over the class? When you or others discuss the topic, do you go off track, waste the class time, or start to get verbally aggressive?

If you're convinced your lecturer isn't acting in the best interests of the class, ask for a meeting outside the class to discuss the issue.

Brief yourself before you go, by learning something about how the brain works positively or negatively on subjects that are contentious or emotive. (See Dealing with people.) Be sure not to be the victim of emotional hijack yourself when you go to speak to your lecturer.

Explain what topics you'd like to discuss, and why. Also promise your support in keeping the discussion respectful, reasonable, and constructive. Give your commitment to create the right atmosphere - one that supports calm and reasoned conversation, with the critical faculties fully engaged.

If the open forum of debate is not conducive to the right kind of discussion, volunteer to think of and lead some creative activities apart from ordinary discussion and debate. See Activities and Formats for a list.


Characteristics of an atmosphere conducive to reasoned and principled discussion:

- Willingness to listen and understand the views of others
- Visible fairness and equality, often experienced as reciprocity: if I listen with acceptance to you, I expect you to do likewise
- Respect is manifested in words, tone of voice, body language
- Views are reported and responded to accurately, without distortion, exaggeration or ridicule
- Critique is delivered on an accurate exposition of the others views, not a misrepresentation; it is impersonal rather than directed to the individual or personal characteristics; it gives appropriate grounds