Intergroup Dialogue Project

Intergroup dialogue is a “…facilitated conversation between members of two or more social identity groups that strives to create new levels of understanding, relating, and action”-Zúñiga, “Bridging Difference Through Dialogue”

WHAT IS THE INTERGROUP DIALOGUE PROJECT?

The Intergroup Dialogue Project is an initiative in the Department of Communication Studies. Merging theory, research, and practice, the goals of the Intergroup Dialogue Project in the Department of Communication Studies is to:

provide undergraduate students across campus the opportunity to engage in facilitated and sustained conversations across different identities (e.g., race, religion, gender and sexuality), ideologies, and worldviews as part of their educational experience
introduce undergraduate and graduate students to research and theories on intergroup dialogue and intergroup contact along with experience in facilitating and developing programs for “dialoguing across difference”
provide resources and guidance for the university and local community in developing and implementing dialogue projects and programming.

Complementing programming at the university that focuses on conversations across difference, the Intergroup Dialogue Project centers on the importance of sustained and structured interactions as necessary to achieve the objectives of promoting an inclusive campus environment and providing students and campus community members with experience in participating in and reflecting on dialogues across difference. Goals of these kind of sustained interactions range from attitude change, collective action toward a social cause, and/or more inclusive decision-making. By focusing on theory and research about effective dialogue and intergroup contact, the Intergroup Dialogue Project provides opportunities to refine skills in engaging in and, potentially, facilitating these type of discussions. Dialogic skills and experiences build UNL student competencies that will impact their personal, professional, and civic life.

COURSES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Practicing Intergroup Dialogue

Starting in 2021-2022 academic year, the 1-credit practicum course will allow students to engage in a semester-long, facilitated conversations with peers about salient social issues while reflecting on their own worldviews and biases, communication competencies, and identities. Introductions to conceptual framework of intergroup dialogue is included as part of the course.

Dialogue Across Difference

Offered in Spring semesters in conjunction with the Honors Program, COMM 360: Dialogue Across Difference is a 3-credit course that provides students with an in-depth overview of theorizing and research on intergroup dialogue as well as experience in engaging others about polarizing social issues. Students also develop their own intergroup dialogue project that can be implemented in subsequent semesters in the campus or local community.

Communication and Social Identity

COMM 465: Communication and Social Identity and COMM 930: Social Identity and Intergroup Communication introduce undergraduate and graduate students to research and theorizing on social identity, communication theories on identity and intergroup communication, intergroup contact, and intergroup dialogue. Independent studies and directed readings are also available.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Students who have completed COMM 360 have the opportunity to assist in research related to intergroup dialogue and/or facilitating conversation sessions for academic credit.

COLLABORATING WITH THE CAMPUS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY

Faculty and students associated with the Intergroup Dialogue Project can provide presentations related to dialoguing across difference, consult on any projects or initiatives aimed at constructive conversations across difference, and work with campus or community partners on related initiatives. Our focus is on merging empirical research, modeling successful programs, and ensuring inclusive practices in these efforts.

Recent Presentations

"Engaging in Conversation about Racial Inequities and Injustice" Presented to the Academic Advising Association, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
"Foundations of Intergroup Dialogue." Presentations and workshop for the Mandela Washington Fellowship program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
"Reducing (Racial) Bias Through Intergroup Contact and Dialogue: Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Collaboration." Presented at the University of Nebraska -Lincoln Grand Challenges Retreat.
"Communication in Interfaith Families and Relationships" Presented to the Adult Forum at First Lutheran Church (Lincoln, NE)
"Intergroup Contact in Colleges & University Settings: Structuring Programs to Reduce Bias" Presented on behalf of the University of Nebraska Office of Diversity and Inclusion.