Structured Academic
Controversy (SAC)
What?
• Working in pairs, and then teams, you
will explore an issue through opposing
positions and try to reach a consensus,
or, at least, clarify where your
differences lie.
Today’s Question:
Was Lincoln Racist?
Discussion Norms
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Active listening
Challenge ideas, not persons
Try your best to understand other position
Share the floor: each person in pair MUST
have an opportunity to speak
• No disagreeing until consensus-building
Sequence
• Form into teams (partner prep)
• Team A Presentation
– Team A presents
– Restatement (by Pair B)
• Team B Presentation
– Team B presents
– Restatement (by Pair A)
• Consensus-Building