The Open Minds Initiative
Where intellectual pluralism and civil discourse strengthen democratic citizenship
Our Commitment
The Open Minds Initiative sponsors courses, events, and scholarship dedicated to fostering a vibrant academic environment where the free exchange of ideas, intellectual pluralism, and civil discourse are celebrated as essential pillars of education and truth-seeking. This commitment aims to strengthen the purpose and promise of higher education, bridge ideological differences, reduce political polarization, and strengthen democratic values on campus and beyond.
Engagement Opportunities
Heterodox Academy’s campus communities promote the values of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement to improve research and higher education. Faculty and staff can join Mizzou’s Campus Community to learn more.
BridgeUSA empowers young people to engage in constructive dialogue and disagreement to improve the quality of politics. Interested students can follow and join Bridge Mizzou to learn more.
- Mizzou Poli-Sci Club and Pi Sigma Alpha work to mobilize young voters by having productive, civil discussions for a large and ideologically diverse community. They plan events, hold discussions, and host guest speakers for students interested in political science and government.
Featured Courses
Democracy, Pluralism, & Civil Discourse (POL_SC 2004)
Americans today live in a time of deep political polarization and intense partisanship. We are defined in terms of our differences, and our disagreements often appear to be impenetrable. In this course, students will learn the pluralistic roots of democratic theory, as well as the strategies and practice of civil discourse. This class is a safe space for students to share their perspectives and discuss contemporary political disagreements on sensitive topics in genuine and open interactions with those with whom they may disagree.
The Intellectual World of the American Fathers (POL_SC-2450/CNST_DEM2450)
This course demonstrates that truly understanding the American constitutional and democratic traditions begins with acknowledging and studying how, in framing the Constitution and in imagining the new nation, the Founders drew on the work and cobbled together the ideas of thinkers from multiple eras and continents and, moreover, thinkers of vastly different political ideologies and disciplinary expertise.
American Constitutional Democracy (POL_SC 2445/CNST_DEM 2445)
This course offers an introduction to American constitutional democracy. On the one hand, this course will strive to set the development of America’s constitutional democracy into its historical context and to explain it in relation to larger social, political, military, and economic events. A second emphasis is on the nature and character of the American democratic system. This course is frequently taught around the theme "Democracy in the Age of Social Media."
FEATURED NEWS
Mizzou Professor Earns Carnegie Fellowship to Study Civics Education
Brian Kisida, an associate professor in the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri, has been named to the 2025 class of Andrew Carnegie Fellows.
Learning to disagree: John Inazu to visit Mizzou
Turning conflict into new connections: Helping Mizzou students
A new national partnership helps University of Missouri students build stronger connections with others by learning how to engage in respectful conversations.
Get Involved
Interested in participating? Whether you're a student, faculty member, or community partner, we welcome your engagement. Attend events, enroll in courses, or contribute to discussions that push the boundaries of knowledge.