Fall 2023 Tuesdays/Thursdays 12:30-1:45
3 Credits
Due to the ever-increasing polarization in society, it is imperative that individuals learn the skills and gain practice in having open and engaging interactions across different social identities and ideologies. As such, there has been a movement to increase participation in intergroup dialogue. Intergroup dialogue refers to "a facilitated group experience… designed to give individuals and groups a safe and structured opportunity to explore attitudes about polarizing societal issues.” (Dessel & Rogge, 2008, p. 199). The aim of this course is to provide students with practice in dialoguing across difference as well as understanding the factors that facilitate constructive and positive outcomes of intergroup dialogue through reflection and application of theory and research. Addressing the Department of Communication Studies goals of giving students practice and insight into skills and competencies in advocating for issues, negotiating across divides, and relating with others, our hope is that the ideas and insight you get from this course will benefit you in professional, personal, and civic-related experiences in the future.
During the course of the semester, students will:
Review foundational readings and theorizing on structures and processes that can facilitate constructive engagement with others.
Learn about intergroup dialogue programs and initiatives through case studies.
Engage in a semester-long small group discussion mirroring the structure and processes we learn about in the course reflecting on their own competencies communicating across difference.
Develop an intergroup dialogue proposal to address a social issue on campus or the community that is of interest to the student. Students have chosen to enact this proposal in subsequent semester for personal /or academic goals (e.g., thesis, independent research, professional experience.
The course fulfills the ACE #2 requirement
Please reach out to Dr. Jordan Soliz at jsoliz2@unl.edu if you have any questions.