Course Description
How can we effectively engage in conversations with people who believe and behave differently than we do? What would be possible if we could lean into creating an environment where we are simultaneously grounded in who we are and able to connect with others who do not share our cultural norms or views?
Studies show that we are increasingly disconnected and polarized in our society, and losing our ability to engage and empathize with folks we see as the “other”. When we don’t challenge ourselves to engage in thoughtful conversations across our differences, we are more likely to fall prey to our implicit biases and groupthink. We lose out on opportunities for innovation and creative problem solving, and make decisions that may not be in our collective best interests. This four-week online program will help leaders and influencers at any level develop their capacity and comfort engaging in dialogues across differences. Whether in your professional environment or personal life, these skills are important for engaging in critical thinking, challenging your own and others’ assumptions and blind spots, and developing and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Studies show that we are increasingly disconnected and polarized in our society, and losing our ability to engage and empathize with folks we see as the “other”. When we don’t challenge ourselves to engage in thoughtful conversations across our differences, we are more likely to fall prey to our implicit biases and groupthink. We lose out on opportunities for innovation and creative problem solving, and make decisions that may not be in our collective best interests. This four-week online program will help leaders and influencers at any level develop their capacity and comfort engaging in dialogues across differences. Whether in your professional environment or personal life, these skills are important for engaging in critical thinking, challenging your own and others’ assumptions and blind spots, and developing and maintaining meaningful relationships.
By the end of this course, you will:
- Become familiar with your own identity filters that influence your perceptions and behaviors when you encounter differences
- Explore the social networks to which you belong that impact your worldviews and interactions with others you perceive as different
- Apply techniques for engaging in healthy dialogues with others when disagreements or divergent perspectives occur
- Manage emotional reactions, your own and others’, when faced with challenging conversations
How it Works:
Each week, you will watch a series of videos that cover key course concepts and guide you through your own reflection. You will receive a PDF workbook that you can download and print to complete activities and capture your takeaways.
During the course, you will try on new mindsets, work through reflective exercises that help you apply those mindsets to your specific career path, and engage with your peers.
We will also have a private Linkedin discussion forum where you can engage with the broader community in the Conversations Across Differences Course, ask questions, and share resources.
This course is offered in partnership with more than a dozen alumni offices including New York University and American University. Alumni from partner schools will also participate in the LinkedIn Discussion Group allowing for increased networking and more diverse perspectives.
Each week you will:
- Engage with course videos
- Complete reflective exercises in weekly workbooks
- Track your progress
- Capture key takeaways and action steps
Course curriculum
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1
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Conversations Across Differences - Course Introduction
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2
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Week 1 Workbook
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Exploring identity in its many dimensions
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How identity influences our everyday lives and interactions
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The power of implicit associations and blindspots
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The case for embracing divergent perspectives and approaches
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3
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Week 2 Workbook
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Defining expansion and its importance for communicating across differences
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What is a social network? Who is in yours?
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Looking for gaps and ways to expand
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4
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Week 3 Workbook
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Dialogue - what is it and why is it important to learn?
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Creating psychological safety for effective dialogue
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5 Practices for effective dialogue
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5
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Week 4 Workbook
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Common challenges when communicating across differences
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Tips for responding effectively during emotionally charged moments
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Preparing yourself for constructive outcomes when engaging in challenging conversations across differences
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Our Facilitator - Maria Morukian, MA, PCC
President and Founder, MSM Global Consulting, LLC
Maria is an organizational consultant, coach, and facilitator specializing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence. She serves clients in developing sustainable and transformational change efforts to build thriving organizational communities. She is on the faculty at American University, a TEDx speaker, and is published in Forbes, Ellevate, and TD Magazine. Maria hosts a podcast on critical DEI issues called Culture Stew.
FAQ
How do I register for this course?
Registration can be made by clicking the register link above. Registration must be completed online and a separate online submission is required for each participating alumni.
What is the cost for the course?
There is no cost with the course.
What resources will I need for this class?
To complete this course you'll need an internet connection, and the time to read, watch recorded lectures, and participate in online discussions.
Do I have to be a University of Alberta alum to participate in this course?
No, this course is available for University of Alberta and friends of the university.
When does the class meet?
The course site opens to participants on October 3, 2022, but when you "attend" class is entirely up to you. Our online course is without set class meetings. Instead, "class" is really the collection of video lectures that are available on-demand. Each week a new section of the course will be posted, and you can watch that content. However, you can always go back and review the previous content. After you've studied the readings and watched the video lectures, you'll head over to the course forums to respond to the weekly discussion questions and interact with the professor, teaching assistants, and your classmates.
Where will the discussion with other alumni happen?
There will be a LinkedIn group provided to you that will house all the discussion about course content. You'll be able to interact with other alumni from University of Alberta and other universities whose alumni are also taking the course.
Can I earn credit for completing the course?
Course credit is not offered. Those participants who fulfill the requirement of viewing all the videos will be e-mailed a certificate following the conclusion of the course.
What if my question isn't answered here?
If you have further questions, please email [email protected]