At Parrhesia, it is our conviction that a healthy democratic society depends on a robust civic life and leaderful communities where people are able to deal with public issues together.
Civic leadership involves speech that moves others to act, and action that speaks to others as fellow human beings, sharing common responsibility for our political and social life. The ethos and the practice of dialogue, then, and the mutual recognition that it fosters, are essential to responsible democratic leadership.
We believe that most people take on different leadership roles over their lifespan in ways large or small. Thus, the Parrhesia Public Dialogue and Civic Leadership curriculum is for everyone in the College.
We offer courses, fellowships and research opportunities that help students explore the concept of civic life, develop their leadership potential and acquire the skills of participating in public dialogue. This curriculum is under construction, and we encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or proposals for cooperation, whether you are a student, faculty or a civic leader.
Courses
Rhetorical Strategies for Civic Leadership
Science Communication and Public Engagement
Public Speaking: Theory and Practice
Discourse Analysis of Public Dialogue
Freedom of Speech on Campus
Dialogue and Community Fellows
The Fellows work on individual or group projects that advance dialogue across differences on campus, in the neighborhoods around UChicago, and beyond. We specifically encourage projects that create opportunities for public dialogue, that curate pluralistic spaces in a purposeful way, and that build community relations. The Fellows receive mentorship and financial support in the form of a stipend from Parrhesia.
Minor in Public Dialogue and Civic Leadership
We are planning the launch of the minor for Fall 2026. In the meantime, please contact Ekaterina Lukianova with any questions, ideas or proposals for collaboration related to this minor.