SOC/WGS 230 & CFE 200
Intergroup Dialogue
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.
Overview
The goals of intergroup dialogue include:
- Understanding social identities and the role of social structures and institutions in creating and maintaining inequality
- Developing intergroup and other communication skills
- 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 explore differences and 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.
These courses were first developed as a part of SU’s participation in the Multi-University Intergroup Dialogue Multi-University Research Project.
Current Spring 2013
- Section 1 Dialogue on Faith, Conflict & Community:
- Co-facilitated by Tiffany Steinwert & Diane Swords
- Monday 3:45-6:30
- Section 2 Women’s Dialogue on Race & Ethnicity:
- Co-facilitated by Afua Boahene & Diane Swords
- Tuesday 3:30-6:15
- Section 3 Intergroup Dialogue on Race & Ethnicity:
- Co-facilitated by A. Wendy Nastasi & Jermaine Soto
- Wednesday 3:45-6:30
Upcoming Fall 2013
- Section 1 Intergroup Dialogue on Race & Ethnicity:
- Co-facilitated by A. Wendy Nastasi & Jermaine Soto
- Tuesday 3:30-6:15
- Section 2 Women’s Dialogue on Race & Gender:
- Co-facilitated by Afua Boahene & Diane Swords
- Wednesday 3:45-6:30
- Section 3 Dialogue on Sexuality and Gender:
- Facilitated by Chase Catalano
- Thursday 3:30-6:15
Course Registration
Class sizes are limited to approximately 14 to 20 students. Registration for each course is granted for undergraduate students by “permission of instructor” only. Students may request permission for registration for SOC/WGS 230 & CFE 200, Intergroup Dialogue – by filling out the online application form available through the Intergroup Dialogue home page.
If you have questions concerning your application, please contact Sigrid Davison.