Course Offerings - Intergroup Dialogue (IGD)

Students have a conversation in a social justice education class.

Ready to join the dialogue? 

On this page, you can find information about our undergraduate and graduate intergroup dialogue (IGD) courses. Here is what a few students recently shared about their experiences:

“I was able to build a community of people who were very different from me - of different races , socioeconomic statuses, genders, and nationalities, with different opinions and experiences - yet somehow, still striving towards the same goals.” - EDUC 202 Undergraduate Student

“This seminar felt like one of the most conducive ways to learn about racial justice on campus, and the people and facilitators really make you feel heard.” - EDUC 395Z Undergraduate Student

“I can honestly say that Intergroup Dialogue was one of the most eye opening and life changing classes I will ever take at UMass Amherst.” - EDUC 202 Undergraduate Student

  • Learn in collaborative, facilitated small groups 
  • Share and listen to personal stories, reflect critically, and ask questions 
  • Explore alternatives to call-out culture
  • Practice skills for building caring communities and social justice leadership
  • EDUC 202: Social Issues in Intergroup Dialogue: Exploring Social/Cultural Differences and Common Ground, is a Fall, semester-long, four-credit course that meets the Gen Education, SB (Social & Behavioral Studies) and DU (U.S. Diversity) requirements. In our weekly community-building and dialogue activities, we explore commonalities and differences of experience and perspective to encourage intergroup understanding, collaboration, and solidarity.
     
  • EDUC 395Z: Intergroup Relations Dialogue Seminar is a one-credit weekend seminar, offered in Fall and Spring semesters, where we explore issues of difference, actively learn from each-others' perspectives, and practice dialogic communication skills to support inclusive actions. Co-sponsored by Student Affairs and Campus Life and Social Justice Education.
  • Register on SPIRE, or contact dialogue@sacl.umass.edu. For EDUC 202 inquiries, contact cnorwood@umass.edu.
  • If you are a Five College student at Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mt. Holyoke College, or Smith College, you will need to register through your respective Registrar’s Office. Guidelines for this process available here.
  • EDUC 692B: Small Group Leadership: Dialogue Facilitation Across Differences is a Fall, six-credit practicum course for graduate students enrolled in the SJE Doctoral, Master, EdS and Graduate Certificate programs who are interested in SJE with college students' area of specialization. Graduate students specializing in other areas are also eligible to participate. This course prepares graduate students to facilitate dialogues about social identity(-ies) and contentious social issues in small groups, and simultaneously become reflexive practitioners of intergroup dialogue. 
     
  • For course prerequisites, go to the SJE Master’s Course of Study or the SJE Graduate Certificate page. Interested students may also request permission from the instructor. 
  • Students who meet prerequisites can register on SPIRE, or contact the course instructor, Dr. Nina Tissi-Gassoway (ntg@umass.edu) 
  • Explore theories, concepts, and principles guiding intergroup dialogue facilitation and practice
  • Practice co-facilitation team development through goal setting, relationship building, intentional dialogue, peer debriefing, process consultation, and reflective learning
  • Strengthen personal and collective capacities – knowledge, awareness, skills and passion – through active learning and sustained critical reflexivity
  • A community of practice that provides consistent and in-depth support of and feedback on weekly session planning, self-awareness, reflexivity, and facilitation skill development.