Norms of Discussion and Engagement

The goal of this course is to improve our collective understanding of Toronto. A seminar like this is an act of shared sense-making: by reading texts and exploring together, we will support each other's learning and generate insights we never could have achieved alone.

Many people want to study history in order to apply their learnings to politics or culture in the present day. This is an excellent impulse, and history is an indispensable tool for sharpening our ideas about how the world ought to be.

But within the walls of our classroom, we will try to understand the past on its own terms. We will set aside the desire to "use" history, and instead work to see the time periods we study from the perspective of the people who were actually there at the time. You might be surprised to find that history becomes a more useful tool for thinking about the future when you study it focused solely on the past.

Over our five weeks we will discuss themes of colonization & empire, technological progress, gentrification, environmental activism, housing policy, gender and sexual identity, and more. These hot-button topics can be challenging and vulnerable to discuss, and often come laden with assumptions about the views of our interlocutors.

Our goal in this seminar is to shed those assumptions and begin from a place of mutual good faith. In this group, we speak earnestly and sincerely, and assume the same of everyone else. Personal ad hominem attacks or derogatory remarks will not be tolerated. This discussion is also premised on the norm of equal participation: everyone who wants to contribute should have the opportunity to speak. No single voice or viewpoint should dominate the conversation.

If anyone is engaging in the course in a way that doesn't align with these norms, we will initiate a conversation about how they can better participate. If we see repeated instances of this behavior, we reserve the right to pull people from the course entirely.

Commitments

Your commitment to Hidden Rivers:

• Preparing for each session by doing all the readings to the best of your ability.
• Committing to attending at least 7 of 10 sessions, barring any unexpected or unforeseen circumstances.
• Being earnestly open-minded to new ideas and perspectives, and excited to engage in a process of sense-making with your peers.
• Helping create a welcoming, amicable, open space by listening attentively and supporting your classmates' intellectual growth.

Hidden Rivers' commitment to you:

• Setting clear expectations at all stages and communicating clearly about the course and our collective goals.
• Thoroughly preparing for every class session by distributing readings in advance.
• Working with you to ensure you can participate to the best of your ability and get what you are seeking out of the course.
• Creating a culture where you are listened to, respected, and your ideas are taken seriously.
• Being open to your feedback and suggestions.