More than two months have passed since the Sept. 11 attacks; the act and its aftermath remain a fixture on the Penn State landscape.

Many classes on campus, as well as across the country, devote time to talk about the horrific event and the subsequent military campaign in Afghanistan.

The classroom is an ideal setting for a discussion about these topics. Emotions run high on the subject of the nation's war on terrorism. Some people are skeptical as to the methods that the United States is using to combat terrorism.

Others wholeheartedly support it. The feelings cut across so many dynamics: religious, humanitarian, psychological, that anytime the issues are discussed, it has the possibility to turn into an explosive e situation.

When there is a contentious point, the best way to ease the tension is dialogue. Allowing students to release their feelings about the subject can only help. Also, understanding the positions of other people is key to reducing pressure.

Finding the correct medium is often difficult to do. In class, arguments can be framed with a strong sense of tact and respect to those present. Shouting matches do not usually encourage learning that can be deemed positive. But, a discussion allows all people to participate and take in the various viewpoints raised.

If it is possible to incorporate the anti-terrorism efforts into class, professors should take full advantage of that. This is a good opportunity for them to incorporate students more into lecture and provide a great outlet for public debate and release of emotions.

Instructors, however, must be careful to prevent a verbal barrage against a student because that person does not share the same mindset as others present in the class. That sort of attack does not contribute to a community environment of understanding or dialogue and it creates a sense of fear in those who dissent from the mainstream.

Talking is great, but listening is very important also. Anytime there is a conversation, one person must speak and the other person must listen. But, when somebody feels strongly about an issue, a tendency is there to just ignore what the other person is saying.

Nothing productive can come out of any discussion if no one is willing to listen and as university professors, teachers here must allow their classes to engage in educated debates.