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Learn research-based strategies for better relationships, dialogue, and understanding across divides. Relevant to anyone navigating conflicts and differences, especially geared toward college campuses.
10,564 already enrolled!
We encounter differences every day—differences in race, politics, gender, faith, and more. How can we connect across these differences, especially at a time of deep social polarization?
In this course, you will learn core research-based principles and strategies for fostering positive relationships, dialogue, and understanding across lines of difference. Created by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center (GGSC), the course offers best practices that draw on scientific findings and case studies from real-world programs. It will zero in on how these evidence-based strategies can be applied to the divisions and conflicts that show up in our everyday relationships and in various sectors, with a particular focus on university and college campuses. The course builds on the GGSC’s popular Bridging Differences Playbook, which has already been used widely by leaders in government, education, corporate, and other settings.
It is taught by Professors Allison Briscoe-Smith and Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton—gifted and engaging teachers who draw on a wealth of knowledge in the science and practice of bridging differences. Joining them are researchers and practitioners who have led efforts to bridge racial, religious, political, and other divides in higher education and other settings.
Learners who register for the Verified Track will receive additional guidance in developing their own programs for bridging differences, particularly on college campuses.
Join us to make real and resonant shifts in your life, community, or campus, finding new ways to connect across lines of difference.
The production of this course was supported by a generous grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, with additional support provided by the Einhorn Collaborative.
This program is offered in collaboration with edX, which is an online program manager (OPM) company. The roles and responsibilities of the OPM partner in the offering of the program are to provide the learning platform for the delivery of academic content, technical support for said platform, marketing support for the courses and programs, and creation of any credentials earned by the learner. UC Berkeley and UC Berkeley faculty are responsible for the creation of accessible academic content, instruction, grading and assessment.
What it means—and doesn’t mean—to “bridge differences,” and when it might be unwise or unhealthy to try to “bridge” with someone else
Why bridging differences is valuable to individuals and communities, and is especially important in higher education
How to identify, understand, and guard against some of your own biases and prejudices
How to communicate in ways that foster understanding and deeper connection rather than exacerbate divides
How to find commonalities and connection with people who might seem different from you
How to foster and support positive interactions between members of different groups who might be at odds with one another
"The Greater Good Science Center's Bridging Differences initiative, particularly the Bridging Differences Playbook, has been a valuable resource to Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) and our higher education partners. Their research-based practices, coupled with skills and examples, offer a foundation for IFYC’s campus partners, our staff, and others to approach bridge-building in grounded, high-impact ways.” --Katie Bringman Baxter, Vice President of Program Strategy, Interfaith Youth Core
