In Search of Civility

by Weeks, Kent M.

• ISBN13: 9781600379079
• ISBN10: 1600379079
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-05-01
• Publisher: Morgan James Pub

Summary

Americans are troubled by the growing incivility they see in public life and in their interpersonal relationships. The lack of civility is an increasing issue on college campuses, reflecting deep societal problems. "In Search of Civility: Confronting Incivility on the College Campus", explores the timely issue by weaving stories of four college freshmen at a large university with current research on civility issues. The four students encounter civility dilemmas ranging from cheating, plagiarism, and misuse of technology to alcohol, diversity, and peer pressure. They want to do the right thing, but distinguishing between right and wrong sometimes proves to be difficult particularly when their personal values conflict with campus norms. "In Search of Civility" provides relevant context for the complex civility challenges facing students, faculty, and administrators. Colleges can play an important role in instilling civility among their students in their academic and social lives. Civil conduct requires treating others the way one wishes to be treated as well as a sense of duty and responsibility to the community. By raising questions, "In Search of Civility" challenges students to make the connection between the morals and values they claim to hold and the practical implications of those values expressed through acts of civility in every part of their lives. Weeks draws on a wide range of experiences--as teacher of undergraduate and graduate students at George Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, and as legal advisor to colleges throughout the US.

Author Biography

Kent M. Weeks draws on a wide range of experiences-as teacher of undergraduate and graduate students at George Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, as a college administrator and as legal advisor to colleges throughout the US. A Fulbright Scholar, he earned a law degree from Duke University and a Ph.D. in political science from Case Western Reserve University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. iii
Introduction	p. 1
Why Civility?	p. 3
What Is Civility?	p. 5
Why Focus On the College Campus?	p. 7
Who Are The Students Now Entering College?	p. 10
Civility and the Greek System	p. 13
A History of the Greek System	p. 15
Becoming Greek	p. 16
Compulsive Conformity: Lindsey	p. 17
Pressures Of Pledging: Jacob	p. 19
Hazing: Antonio	p. 22
Alternatives to Greek Life: Sonam	p. 24
Civility In The Classroom	p. 29
Pressure to Cheat: Antonio	p. 30
Understanding Plagiarism: Jacob	p. 34
Uncivil Professors: Lindsey	p. 40
Uncivil Students: Sonam	p. 44
College Athletics	p. 51
A Brief History	p. 52
Student Athletes: Antonio	p. 53
The Fans-Love Thy Enemy: Lindsey	p. 58
Abusive Fans: Sonam	p. 61
Postgame Fan Violence: Jacob	p. 65
Residential Life	p. 69
History of College Dormitories	p. 70
Uncivil Roommates: Lindsey	p. 71
Incivility in the Dorm Room: Antonio	p. 74
Virtual Violence: Jacob	p. 77
Pirates of the Dormitory: Sonam	p. 79
The Question of Healthy Behaviors	p. 85
Drinking and Substance Abuse: Antonio	p. 86
Image Consciousness: Lindsey	p. 92
Depression And Suicide: Sonam	p. 95
Hook-up Culture: Jacob	p. 98
Diversity	p. 101
Confronting Stereotypes And Prejudice: Antonio and Sonam	p. 102
Coexisting Peacefully: Jacob	p. 109
Achieving a Diverse Educational Environment: Lindsey	p. 113
Facing Civility	p. 119
About the Author	p. 123
Appendices	p. 125
College Civility Initiatives	p. 127
Civility Resources	p. 136
Local Government Civility Initiatives	p. 139
Notes	p. 143
Bibliography	p. 155
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