In a society shaped by a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, open dialogue about experiences related to race, class, gender, religion, ability, and other aspects of identity is essential for fostering understanding and cooperation. The Intergroup Dialogue Program at Furman University was created so that students, faculty, and staff could learn how to have conversations about the issues that unite and divide us.
Introduction to Intergroup Dialogue (IGD 101) courses are half-semester (2-credit) classes co-taught by faculty and staff across a wide range of disciplines. These courses introduce students to the theory and practice of intergroup dialogue, drawing on scholarship from psychology, philosophy, political science, sociology, and related fields. Participants from different backgrounds engage in structured conversations that allow them to express core values, share formative experiences, and develop skills for engaging across differences.
The learning objectives of IGD 101 classes are to:
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Build a shared vocabulary and foundational skills for dialogue, including deep listening, critical self-reflection, and inquiry;
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Reflect on one’s own lived experience and learn about the experiences of others in the context of broader societal structures;
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Examine patterns of similarity and difference in how people navigate the world;
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Understand how systems of power shape relationships between groups;
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Strengthen the ability to collaborate across lines of difference, build coalitions, and apply insights from dialogue and structural analysis to support stronger, more connected communities.
The program offers numerous dialogue classes focusing on a variety of topics in addition to peer-facilitated “Dins Dialogue” workshops and individual consultations. To learn how IGD might support your work, please request a consultation by emailing the program’s co-directors, Jocelyn Boulware Bruce and Claire Whitlinger.
