Though mighty, words are often used without taking their consequences fully into account. The Dartmouth Centers Forum’s 2011–2012 Words and their Consequences builds on the previous year’s theme, Speak Out/Listen Up!, by focusing intently on the impact of words.
Used well, words can communicate positively. Uncivil discourse, however, permeates the airwaves and corridors of power. And, while institutions of higher learning seek to instill a culture of civil communication, even the academy is sometimes prey to vitriolic and intemperate language. Given the productive possibilities and the often dysfunctional realities of verbal communication, the DCF considers it an opportune moment to examine Words and their Consequences. During the 2011–2012, the DCF’s thematic programming will:
The DCF will address these and related themes in a series of interlocking public events throughout the 2011-12 academic year. Please check the Upcoming Events page regularly as we develop our schedule.
Events that have already taken place can still be viewed on the Past Events page.
Once again, the Dartmouth Centers Forum is requesting proposals for funding events that are associated with the Words and their Consequences theme. Through this RFP, the DCF wishes to work in partnership with students, faculty, staff, and community members to facilitate meaningful discussions about the positive and negative effects of various kinds of communication. The DCF hopes that this goal can be achieved through panels, workshops, discussions, and performances that will enable all members of the community to consider different types of communication in an informal, but structured atmosphere.
Please complete the Proposal Form and send it to the DCF. Proposals that demonstrate collaboration among organizations and strive for intergroup dialogue and engagement are highly encouraged. We hope to receive proposals representing a broad range of activities from in-depth dialogues with a few participants to larger, campus-wide programs. The deadline for proposals for spring term events is noon on February 3, 2012. The budget should not exceed $4,000. The selection committee may choose to award full or partial funding. Successful proposal submitters will be contacted on, or around, February 21, 2012.
