Diversity Dialogues: Conversations about Race

(1 Credit Hour) · Undergraduate

How does racism impact society and our everyday lives? Why is it important that we consider issues of race, identity and ethnicity as we address needs within our local communities? How can we have a productive conversation about race that includes diverse constituencies? Using an intersectional framework informed by weekly readings, this course is designed to create space for students interested in dialoguing on the issues of race and ethnicity. The Diversity Dialogues employs the "study circle" to conduct a series of conversations dealing with questions of race and identity as well as ways that participants might bring change to their local setting. Respect for each other's ideas and allowing everyone a fair hearing are hallmarks of the study circle approach; the process of building relationships between members of the group is as important as the issues discussed. The study circle is small-group democracy in action; all viewpoints are taken seriously, and each member has an equal opportunity to participate. By the end of the course students will have gained a better understanding of challenges in overcoming racism in contemporary society and have a new set of tools to engage in difficult conversations on race, identity and power dynamics.