August 31, 2026 | By Nick Pfost
Following years of growth in IGR course enrollment, more new offerings are on the way for students in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Fall 2026
Pop Culture and Social Media: An Introduction to Intergroup Relations
ALA 123, “Pop Culture and Social Media: An Introduction to Intergroup Relations,” will be taught this fall by Stephanie Hicks, a lecturer IV and faculty lead for the IGR minor.
In the three-credit course, students will explore the ways social media engagement and popular culture open up opportunities to understand core intergroup relations concepts. Along the way, they’ll survey the sociological, social-psychological, and social justice education theory that comes together in IGR, and will learn to see and understand those key theories and dynamics in action.
ALA 123 brings together, under one dedicated course number, popular and impactful elements of two special topics courses Hicks previously taught, “Pop Culture and Dialogue” and “Social Identity, Social Inequality and Social Media: An Introduction to Intergroup Relations.”
Psychological Aspects of Intergroup Relations and Intergroup Dialogue
Todd Sevig will teach a new special topics course, “Psychological Aspects of Intergroup Relations and Intergroup Dialogue.” Sevig is the former director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and one of IGR’s founding leaders.
In ALA 270-002 (fall 2026), students will examine intergroup dialogue and facilitation through a psychological lens, exploring theory, hands-on practice, and research-backed tools to transform intergroup conflict into connection. The course is ideal for students in psychology, sociology, education, or social justice, as well as for anyone seeking practical skills for leading difficult conversations and building stronger, more equitable relationships across difference.
Winter 2027
Life Design for Wolverines at U-M and Beyond
In winter 2027, IGR will also offer “Life Design for Wolverines at U-M and Beyond” (ALA 270-002/003) for first- and second-year students, including transfer students.
The one-credit course applies the “Life Design” process and design thinking to help prepare students to design their academic, career, and life experiences on their own timeline and in alignment with their values, goals, and the impact they want to make. Students will map their college, career, and life experiences; explore their social identities, values, and decision-making; practice communicating across difference; and build three "Odyssey Plans" for their future, with wellbeing as the foundation.
The course will be led by Martha Kirpes and Todd Sevig.
More courses
To find more IGR courses, visit igr.umich.edu/courses.
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