Institutional Diversity
Inter-group Dialogues
OPSAS co-sponsors the course EDUC 395Z with the Social Justice Education Program, School of Education. As the course description states: “Intergroup dialogues are facilitated small group experiences that bring students from different racial, ethnic, gender and sexual orientation to explore their commonalities and differences, examine the nature and impact of social inequalities, and explore ways of working together toward greater equality and justice. Examples of intergroup dialogues include Men and Women dialogue, Race and Ethnicity dialogue, and Gender and Sexuality dialogue. Intergroup dialogues strive to promote sharing of personal experiences, meaningful conversation, and critical examination of difficult issues, mutual understanding and cooperative action across differences.
As a student in EDUC 395Z, you can expect to:
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practice dialogic communication skills (e.g., speaking, listening, suspending judgment, exploring assumptions, engaging in reflection and inquiry)
- explore differences and commonalties and learn from each other's experiences
- learn about the roots and consequences of intergroup conflicts
- examine conflicting issues such as gender roles, reverse discrimination, racial profiling, interracial relationships, separation and segregation on campus, hate crimes, safety on campus, immigration, stereotypes and the media, sexuality and religion, and affirmative action
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participate in community-building and experiential activities
Intra-group Dialogues
Intra-group dialogues are similar in concept and structure but here we explore the commonalities and differences that exist within racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, etc. The dialogues takes place over a weekend versus the semester-long exploration described above. Each weekend dialogue is worth one credit.
Offerings This Semester
This fall we will be offering two weekend dialogues:
People of Color Dialogue: Gender within communities of Color
October 3-4th
9-5pm, Malcolm X Cultural Center
People of Color Dialogue: Exploring our collective racial and ethnic identities
October 24-25th
9-5pm, Malcolm X Cultural Center
For more information on how to enroll please contact Krishna Soares at opsasdialogues@gmail.com or stop our office at 302 Student Union Building.
Student Quotes:
“…I feel the need to re-emphasize just how empowering it is to dialogue with a room full of people of color.”
