# Intellectual Vitality in the Classroom ## Intellectual Vitality in the Classroom ![Instructor stands at the front of a classroom while students sit with laptops taking notes.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13021/files/styles/hwp_28_10__1920x685/public/2026-06/Harvard-University-Admissions-167.jpg?h=8edcde7d&itok=15p8fxWW) Intellectual Vitality is working in close partnership with the [Program in General Education](https://gened.college.harvard.edu/) and the [College Writing Program](https://writingprogram.fas.harvard.edu/) to embed its values into key components of the Harvard College curriculum. Current efforts include collaborations with a learning community of Writing Program preceptors, a cohort of Gen Ed teaching fellows, and individual Gen Ed faculty and course teams. Together, we’re identifying what already fosters deep engagement – and actively rethinking what doesn’t. But meaningful change, growth, and culture shift can’t happen in isolation. That’s why we’re approaching this work comprehensively and collaboratively, drawing on insights and support from across the University, including partnerships with the [Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics](https://www.ethics.harvard.edu/) and the [Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning](https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/). For further information or for pedagogical support, please contact Matthew Sohm, Assistant Director of Civil Discourse and Classroom Culture at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning (). ### 2024-2025 expand\_more During the 2024-2025 academic year, then Assistant Director of Pedagogy, Matthew Sohm (as of February 2025, Assistant Director of Civil Discourse and Classroom Culture, Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning), collaborated with Expository Writing, the Program in General Education, the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics on various pedagogy workshops (linked below). To kick off the spring semester, Intellectual Vitality (together with the Bok Center for Teaching and Learning and the Safra Center for Ethics) hosted the philosopher Jason Baehr (Loyola Marymount University). Jason’s pioneering work on teaching and learning for intellectual virtues like curiosity and epistemic humility has been central to the College’s approach to Intellectual Vitality and has informed the pedagogical methods that new and experienced instructors in [Expository Writing](https://websites.harvard.edu/intellectualvitality/expository-writing-civil-discourse-pedagogy-learning-community/) and [Gen Ed](https://websites.harvard.edu/intellectualvitality/pedagogy-in-practice-pilot-training-session-for-gen-ed-tfs-and-tas/) have been exploring. [ "Pedagogy in Practice" for General Education Teaching Fellows arrow\_circle\_right ](/pedagogy-practice-pilot-training-session-gen-ed-tfs-and-tas) [ Expository Writing: Civil Discourse Pedagogy Learning Community arrow\_circle\_right ](/expository-writing-civil-discourse-pedagogy-learning-community) [ Learn More About Jason Baehr's Visit arrow\_circle\_right ](/fostering-intellectual-virtues-jason-baehr) [ Prof. David Gooblar and Trust in the Classroom arrow\_circle\_right ](/prof-david-gooblar-and-trust-classroom) ## Resources ### Syllabus Templates Intellectual Vitality has been partnering closely with the Program in General Education and the College Writing Program on fostering a classroom environment that remains open to, and respectful of, competing viewpoints and that seeks to avoid the premature formation of consensus. As part of this work, we have developed template syllabus language on topics including challenging subject matter, classroom neutrality, and policies addressing student concerns about doxxing and privacy. All of this is language is optional and can be used, adapted, and revised by instructors as they see fit. [ Review the syllabus language arrow\_circle\_right ](https://hu.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/IntellectualVitality/EZ2hv-XUSE5At-GXplYA_ggBOnjqeqXOd8RJyQsFlBw9mQ?e=tcTPYc) ![Person writes notes in a notebook while seated in a classroom.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-06/Harvard-University-Admissions-245-1_1.jpg?itok=edQ_Zzil) ### Safra Center for Ethics Civil Discourse Pedagogy Resources The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics has compiled a wide variety resources to help teach, practice, and develop civil discourse skills. [ Access the database arrow\_circle\_right ](https://harvard-ethics.notion.site/8faae48627424d71a5bacd27808ac8f0?v=b7e39f1cd71f4126ae5dbfec175d3a6f) ![Students seated in a classroom with laptops out and have their attention to the front.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-06/Harvard-University-Admissions-170.jpg?itok=_FjNYCU7) ### Bok Center for Teaching and Learning By supporting experimentation, innovation, and evidence-based practices, the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning seeks to create transformational learning experiences for faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. [ Group agreements arrow\_circle\_right ](https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/group-agreements) [ Navigating difficult moments arrow\_circle\_right ](https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/navigating-difficult-moments) ![A group of students sits around a table in a classroom, collaborating while an instructor leads the discussion.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-04/66.jpg?itok=ofQtcehx)