ALA 122: Intergroup Dialogues

3 CREDITS | IN-PERSON | PLACEMENT SURVEY REQUIRED
FULFILLS: LSA RACE & ETHNICITY, SOCIAL SCIENCE DISTRIBUTION
CROSSLISTED AS: PSYCH 122, SOC 122, EDUC 122
 

Submit placement survey  

In Intergroup Dialogues, students will participate in semi-structured face-to-face meetings across different social identity groups led by peer facilitators. Though topics will vary by semester, topics may include race, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. Through readings, in-class exercises with thoughtful debriefs, and participant journals and other assignments, students will explore their own identities, build relationships across different identities and learn about pertinent issues facing various social identity groups on campus and in society. This course creates a setting in which students engage in open and constructive dialogue, learn about themselves and others, and explore issues concerning intergroup relations, conflict, and social justice. Ultimately, the goal of this class is for students to develop greater intergroup empathy, develop skills to collaborate across difference, and tools to participate in social change. We encourage students who successfully participate in this class to consider taking our training and practicum courses and minoring in IGR. 

The textbook, Introduction to Intergroup Dialogues (first edition) edited by Stephanie Hicks, is required for the course and can be purchased online.    

 
 

Course requirement(s)

Students need to complete an override request form to be considered for Intergroup Dialogues. 

  • Students can complete the placement survey
  • Students will be admitted on a first come first serve basis with spaces reserved for each class (first year, sophomore, junior, senior)
  • Students will receive an email about the status of their override within three business days

 

Intended audience

For students who can attend during the scheduled class time to participate in class discussions and activities.    
 

Modality

All aspects of this course will be in-person. This course will be offered synchronously where students are engaging in class discussions and activities. Students will be expected to attend class during the scheduled meeting times.  
 

Student testimonials 

Overall I feel this dialogue has been one of the most educational and valuable experiences of my life. I know my life and outlook on things has changed a lot because of it, as well as the people involved… Hopefully I have had the same effect on others as they have [had] on me.

 

As an Engineer, I rarely get to participate in a class that was as fun and informative as this intergroup dialogue. I have learned more in this class than in any of my other classes, because of the fact that the topic…is so broad; it has influence over every aspect of daily life.

 

...I feel like I have become a better person than I was a year ago. I have to thank intergroup dialogues for that. It's been a tremendous journey.

 

Frequently asked questions

How do students enroll in ALA/PSYCH/SOC 122: Intergroup Dialogues?

Students obtain an electronic override from our department in order to enroll in this course. To obtain an override, please submit the placement survey.

Do I have to wait until my registration appointment begins to request an override?

No. You can submit an override request form regardless of when your registration appointment begins. The earlier you submit your placement survey the better your chances of being issued an override for the course.

Why is the dialogue topic I’m interested in not listed as a choice on the override request form?

Not all dialogue topics are offered every term. Topics vary based on facilitator availability. 

When does IGR begin issuing overrides?

IGR begins issuing overrides when registration begins. 

After IGR begins issuing overrides, how long after I submit my placement survey will I hear from your office?  

Once registration opens, you will receive an email from the system with registration information within three business days of submitting the form.

Once I’ve been issued an override, how long until it expires?

The email you receive from the system will note the expiry date of your permission. We do, however, ask that you tend to that registration step as soon as possible. 

What does the first week of classes look like?

During the first class of the semester, all registered students are required to attend a mass meeting during class time. The LSA course guide lists the location of the first meeting. 

When will I find out what my dialogue topic is (race and ethnicity, SES, gender, religion, etc.)?

Students are notified of their dialogue topic placement, as well as their facilitators’ names and class location during the first week of the semester.

Am I guaranteed placement in my first dialogue topic choice?

No. We do our best to place students in one of their top three topic preferences. 

I will not be able to attend the first day of class—can I keep my spot in the course?

Due to high student demand in the course, students must attend and sign in at the mass meeting in order to be placed into a dialogue section. Rare exceptions may be granted to this rule if there are special circumstances preventing you from attending the first class. 

Is there a waitlist for dialogues?

Waitlist is determined by demand and facilitator availability.  If the need for a waitlist arises, the department will manage admission to the course based on application date and class standing to ensure that the dialogue sections are well balanced. 

Are Intergroup Dialogues offered in the Spring or Summer terms?

On occasion, dialogues are offered in the Spring. Students are encouraged to check the LSA course guide for Spring offerings.    
 

Questions?

Please email any questions about the course or the application process to [email protected]

 


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