EDUC 261 - Intergroup Dialogue on Race and Migration

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

In this course, students learn about, participate in, and critically reflect on intergroup dialogue with the intention of examining power and power structures in our experiences and the world around us concerning race and migration. This class brings together Vassar students and Poughkeepsie High school students to engage in critical dialogue. Intergroup dialogue is an educational model that brings together students from multiple 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 group beginnings and relationship building; (2) understanding social identities and the role of social structures, power, privilege, and institutions in creating and maintaining inequality; (3) developing intergroup and other communication skills; and (4) planning and enacting collaboration and coalition building. The course is organized around multi-disciplinary readings (e.g., historical, sociological, feminist, psychological, and personal narratives), experiential learning activities, weekly writing and summative reflections on race and migration. Kimberly Williams Brown.

One 2-hour period.

Course Format: INT