Gender & Sexuality:
Confused as to why people include their gender pronouns when introducing themselves? What is the difference between LGBTQPIA and LGBT? What is a social identity & what is/are your social identity(s)? What is masculinity & femininity? How is gender represented in society and who influences what are appropriate representations? How does gender and sexuality representations differ amongst varying cultures, races, SES's, faiths and many other social identities?

Dialogue:
Dialogue is a form of communication that goes beyond ordinary conversation. Dialogue can defuse the polarization that characterizes much public discourse and generate an understanding that can transform individuals, communities, and institutions. In this course, students will examine models of dialogic communication and theories of intergroup relations and consider how the practice of dialogue can build a deeper understanding of self and others, reinvigorate democratic values and foster a more just and equitable society.

Students will develop leadership skills through learning about and practicing dialogue across difference in a collaborative classroom environment. Through hands-on experience participating in, observing, and leading a mini-dialogue for an end project; students will learn steps to better facilitate dialogues among their peers in a variety of campus and community settings.

Course requirements:
- Attendance & Participation (50 points)
- Readings & Weekly Journal Assignments (50 points)
- Final Group Project (50 points)
- Individual Final Reflection Paper (50 points)
*** 140 Points to Pass***

Attendance & Participation: (50 points possible)
Meaningful intergroup dialogue relies on ongoing preparation and thoughtful reflections. Since the vast majority of the learning takes place during the weekly class sessions, attendance and participation are vital. It is important that you come prepared every week to comment on the readings, actively participate in discussions and activities, and share your experiences and perspectives. Active participation does not just mean talking. It means engaging thoughtfully with the course material and the other participants. If you are talkative, challenge yourself to listen more. If you are a quiet person, consider challenging yourself to speak up in small and large groups.

If an emergency arises (illness, accident, etc.) that prevents you from attending a session, it is your responsibility to contact one of the facilitators at least a few hours before class.

There will be weekly reading assignments to help prepare you for the next dialogue session. Reading assignments must be completed by the class session for which they were assigned. All readings will be provided to you on the course website (bcourses) or by email.

Weekly Journal Assignments: (50 points possible)
You will be required to turn in a total of 10 journal entries (1-2 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12- point font or written in ink 2 pages, double spaced). These journals will ask you to reflect on questions relating to class dialogue, and/or readings. You will be asked to share your opinions, reactions, thoughts, moments of learning and feelings that may have come to surface.

Journals are part of your preparation for a dialogue and show that you have done readings, and are being an active participant. Thus they are mandatory and each is a total of 5 possible points. Full credit is given when the participant turns in the assignment on time, adequately addresses the questions and draws upon at least one of the assigned readings and/or class discussions. (2 points will be deducted for lateness and no credit will be given for journals that are turned in more than one week late.)

Final Project: (50 points possible)
A group final project will be carried out at the end of the term. Time will be given in class to coordinate with group members but a chunk of the project will require time outside of class. More details will be given during the course and topics will be selected as a class. A summary of the group's findings will be discussed with a mini dialogue facilitated by each group.

Final Reflection Paper: (50 points possible)
A 3-5 page (typed, double-spaced, 12-point font) reflection paper is due on the last day of class. In your final paper you will reflect back on the term and write about what/how you learned in this course, your experience of the group’s process and your role in it, your experiences of differences and disagreements, and how you have applied or intend to apply what you have learned. You will be encouraged to draw from your journals, readings, in-class sessions and personal experiences.

Our aim is to create a course that participants will enjoy, and because dialogue is often more productive in smaller groups the course has limited seats. Our goal is to select applicants that will make the class as diverse as possible. Thus, we have created a google form and CCN's will be given out in two waves: First come, first served/a lottery system. If demand exceeds the number of seats, applicants will be chosen based on application solely and a wait list will be drafted. Students who fail to attend the first section will have their spot forfeited and space will be filled off the wait list Admission Criteria for wave one will be based on short answer responses to the course applications. Decisions will be sent out by January 23rd. Students must accept admission to the course by emailing back before January 30th 11:59 pm to ensure their seat and must show up to the first class. Admission criteria for wave two will be on a lottery system and only if seats remain. Final admission decisions/waitlist positions to the course will be sent out by February 6th.