“Dialogues Across Difference” is a new MIT series intended to enhance discourse across a wide range of perspectives on campus, strengthen connections among Institute community members, and demonstrate practical ways of engaging with difficult issues.
In our highly polarized world, students often struggle to navigate tough conversations and engage with viewpoints that challenge their own, says Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs. That is why Washington University in St. Louis is introducing "Dialogue Across Difference," an eight-week course that teaches undergraduate students how to explore difficult topics such as politics, religion, race, gender and socioeconomic identity in a positive and productive way.