SocW 442 BUILDING COMPETENCIES FOR INTERGROUP DIALOGUE FACILITATION

Course Description

This is the first course in a two-quarter sequence providing BASW students with foundation knowledge and skills for working with diverse teams and small groups in educational settings. The course builds on SocWf404: Cultural Diversity and Justice which provided students with conceptual, theoretical, and empirical knowledge base related to difference, dominance, social justice, and empowerment. This course aims to extend the student's knowledge about intergroup relations and conflicts, and prepare them to be active change agents as facilitators of intergroup dialogues. We hope that at the end of the Winter Quarter, students will be prepared to facilitate small diverse groups. Students facilitating intergroup dialogues in Spring 2003 will also enroll in the 2nd quarter course, SocWf443: Intergroup Dialogue Facilitation.

In Winter 2004 (SocWf442, 3 credits) the course will focus on both knowledge and skills development. Topics to be covered in the course will include: philosophy and principles of dialogic education and dialogic communication; intergroup communication; social identity development; principles of working with conflict; group dynamics, observation and facilitation; team building among co-facilitators; and creating a support system among instructors and facilitators. In Spring 2004 (SocWf443, 3 credits) the course will be designed as a practicum seminar as a way of instruction, consultation and supervision. The knowledge and skills development from Winter 2003 will be examined in light of students' actual experiences facilitating the intergroup dialogues. Class sessions will focus on comparison of facilitation experiences and consultations, trouble-shooting with other facilitators, co-facilitator team building, and planning for dialogues. We will also further explore specific intergroup issues that are current (such as, interracial relationships, affirmative action and immigration) in preparation for dialogues on these issues.

Course Objectives

The goal of the course is to develop the tools necessary to facilitate intergroup dialogues. Following Bailey Jackson's model of multicultural competencies, the course is focused on developing the following knowledge, awareness, values (commitment and passion), and skills:

1. Knowledge and Awareness Objectives
• Describe the concepts and practices of dialogic education and dialogic communication;
• Explain how social identities and status affect intergroup dialogue and facilitation;
• Articulate learner's interpersonal and intergroup styles in communication;
• Explain key theories of group dynamics which facilitate understanding of interpersonal and intercultural processes;
• Gain understanding and ability of group observation and diagnostic skills;
• Identify the conditions that facilitate or hinder intergroup dialogue;
• Identify personal strengths and challenges in working with diverse groups;
• Describe different processes in facilitating educational activities in intergroup dialogue sessions.
2. Values Objectives
• Appreciate a praxis--reflective and active--approach to learning, and facilitating learning;
• Articulate the values of intergroup dialogue as a coalition & alliance building process;
• Critically reflect on own passion for facilitating intergroup dialogues--motivation, strengths, and challenges;
• Assess own areas of growth and continued learning; and
• Participate constructively creating an empowering and diverse learning community.
• Commit to continued engagement and learning to social justice work;
3. Skills Objectives
• Demonstrate an increased confidence in facilitation competencies;
• Plan and implement processes for facilitating educational activities in intergroup dialogue sessions;
• Provide constructive feedback;
• Demonstrate constructive dialogic skills, team building skills and alliance behaviors;
• Demonstrate effective group observation and group process skills; and
• Use intergroup dialogue facilitation skills.