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Overview
In these courses, students will learn about, participate in, and
critically reflect on intergroup dialogue. Intergroup dialogue is an
educational model that brings together students from different social
identity groups in a cooperative, small group, learning environment.
Intergroup dialogue often involves members of groups with a history of
conflict or limited opportunities to engage in deep and meaningful
discussion of controversial, challenging, or divisive issues.
The goals of intergroup dialogue include: (1) understanding social identities and the
role of social structures and institutions in creating and maintaining
inequality; (2) developing intergroup and other communication skills; and
(3) planning and enacting collaboration.
The courses are organized around
multi-disciplinary readings (e.g., historical, sociological,
psychological, and personal narratives), experiential learning activities,
small group projects, weekly writing and summative reflections. Students
will analyze and learn about issues facing groups on campus, in higher
education, and in broader society. The overall goal is to create a setting
for students to engage in open and constructive dialogue concerning issues
of intergroup relations, conflict, and community.
Each intergroup dialogue is led by a diverse team of two facilitators who stimulate and
moderate the discussion by asking questions, identifying key points, guiding group process,
and generally provide structure for dialogue. The process builds trust through exercises
that emphasize common ground, then leads to honest discussion of issues that affect this
community. Participants learn how to be allies, and how to work together in diverse teams.
The Intergroup Dialogue courses meet a variety of
degree requirements and
co-curricular requirements.
These courses are offered as part of SU's participation in the Multiversity Project.
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