CSI Summer Conference: Teach Together

Higher education is in a phase of transition as the political divide increases in the United States. Intense social events including COVID, politics, and the culture wars require higher educational institutions to seek changes to support diverse student bodies. This research illustrates pedagogical techniques to promote civil dialogue between diverse student groups and provide more nuanced understanding of the challenges they face. Moreover, it seeks to emphasize the importance of solutions in order to create a stronger democracy and reduce cynicism, thus providing a pathway for a more informed and engaged citizenry. Focusing on local historical events connected to the broader national history allows students to see lasting change in their communities. Moreover, local history places their experiences in the broader context, which allows students to see that they are no different from historical actors.