Constructive conversations about divisive issues are often in short supply in the US today, especially where the issues touch on differences of identity, values, religion and fundamental worldviews. Patterns of dysfunctional discourse have corroded relationships in families, organizations and society at large, preventing people from living and working together in the most beneficial ways. This class will explore the theory and practice of Reflective Structured Dialogue (RSD), an approach to deep identity differences with roots in family therapy, communications theory and interpersonal neurobiology. Created in 1989 by the Public Conversations Project, RSD provides the means for opponents to shift their communication practices and change their relationships while retaining their passionate perspectives. It has been refined in conflicts over abortion, sexual orientation, gender, social class, religion and race as they present in organizations and in society at large in the US, Nigeria, Liberia, Burundi, Mexico, The Philippines and many other countries. We will examine the theory and roots of the dialogue field in general and RSD in particular. Learning modalities will include lectures, readings, case studies, role plays, and video clips. Special emphasis will be given to achieving clarity of purpose, preparing participants, and using structure and agreements to prevent in-meeting problems and enable people to speak and listen in fresh and constructive ways. Grading: Letter-graded Credits: 1 Offered: Irregularly
