Bridging Differences from edX

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.

What's inside

Learning objectives

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

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

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Useful for improving social, cultural, and political discourse

Provides evidence-based strategies for reducing conflict and divisions

Helps understand and mitigate biases and prejudices

Encourages meaningful dialogue and connection

Taught by experienced and engaging instructors

Focuses on bridging differences and fostering positive relationships in university settings

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Bridging Differences with these activities:

Review Intergroup relations

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Review foundation information to efficiently bridge differences.

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Read textbook chapters or articles on intergroup relations.
Summarize key concepts and theories related to bridging differences.
Review case studies of successful intergroup dialogue and conflict resolution.

Review active listening skills

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Reinforces the importance of effective communication and understanding diverse perspectives.

Browse courses on Active Listening

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Identify key principles of active listening
Practice paraphrasing and summarizing
Seek feedback on your listening abilities

Join a study group

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Engage in discussions and share insights with fellow learners to deepen your understanding.

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Find a group of classmates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Establish regular meeting times and a communication platform.
Prepare for each session by reviewing the course material.

Ten other activities

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Practice dialogue and active listening

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Develop communication skills essential for bridging differences.

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Find a partner with different perspectives or backgrounds.
Engage in structured dialogue using active listening and empathy.
Reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement.

Facilitate a discussion on a controversial topic

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Provides hands-on experience in navigating potentially difficult conversations.

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Choose a topic that respects diverse perspectives
Establish clear ground rules and expectations
Moderate the discussion, encouraging active listening and respectful exchange of ideas

Complete practice problems

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Reinforce key communication and conflict resolution concepts covered in the course.

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Review the provided practice problems.
Attempt to solve the problems independently.
Check your solutions against the provided answer key.

Attend a workshop on bridging differences

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Gain practical tools and strategies for fostering positive relationships across lines of difference.

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Research and identify relevant workshops.
Register and attend the workshop.
Actively participate in discussions and exercises.

Design a dialogue facilitation guide

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Develop your skills in facilitating productive dialogues across differences.

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Identify the purpose and objectives of the dialogue.
Research best practices for dialogue facilitation.
Create a structured guide that outlines the steps of the dialogue.

Compile a resource list on bridging differences

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Gather and organize valuable resources to support your learning and practice.

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Conduct research to find articles, books, and online materials on bridging differences.
Create a document or spreadsheet to compile the resources.
Categorize and annotate the resources for easy reference.

Attend a workshop on unconscious bias

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Increase awareness of personal biases to facilitate more objective interactions.

Browse courses on Unconscious Bias

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Identify a relevant workshop or training program.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in exercises and discussions.
Reflect on the workshop content and develop strategies to mitigate unconscious bias.

Design a community outreach program

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Encourages students to apply course concepts in a real-world setting, promoting empathy and understanding.

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Identify a community need or issue
Develop a plan that outlines goals, activities, and evaluation methods
Partner with community organizations and stakeholders

Mentor a student from a different background

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Share knowledge and experiences while fostering understanding and empathy.

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Identify a student from a different background or perspective.
Establish regular meetings to provide guidance, support, and facilitate dialogue.
Share personal experiences and insights to bridge gaps and foster understanding.

Develop a plan for bridging differences in a specific context

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Apply course concepts to real-world scenarios and develop practical strategies.

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Identify a specific context where bridging differences is important.
Analyze the factors contributing to the differences and barriers to communication.
Develop a plan outlining strategies for fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration.
Present the plan to others for feedback and refinement.

Career center

Learners who complete Bridging Differences will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

As a Diversity and Inclusion Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing programs to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to create and implement effective diversity and inclusion programs. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Teacher

As a Teacher, you will be responsible for educating students of all ages. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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Public Relations Specialist

As a Public Relations Specialist, you will be responsible for managing the public image of an organization. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to build relationships with diverse stakeholders. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Social Worker

As a Social Worker, you will be responsible for providing support and services to individuals and families in need. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for researching and analyzing public policy issues. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to analyze public policy issues from a diverse range of perspectives. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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Counselor

As a Counselor, you will be responsible for providing support and guidance to individuals and families. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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Community Organizer

As a Community Organizer, you will be responsible for organizing and mobilizing communities to address social issues. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to build relationships with diverse community members. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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Nonprofit Manager

As a Nonprofit Manager, you will be responsible for managing the operations of a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to manage a nonprofit organization that serves a diverse community. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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Event Planner

As an Event Planner, you will be responsible for planning and managing events. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to plan and manage events for diverse audiences. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you will be responsible for gathering, writing, and reporting news stories. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to report on diverse communities in a fair and accurate way. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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Sales Representative

As a Sales Representative, you will be responsible for selling products or services to customers. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to build relationships with customers from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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University Professor

As a University Professor, you will be responsible for conducting research, teaching students, and publishing your findings. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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Human Resources Manager

As a Human Resources Manager, you will be responsible for managing the human resources needs of an organization. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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College Administrator

As a College Administrator, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a college or university. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to develop the skills necessary to create marketing campaigns that are relevant to diverse audiences. Additionally, the course will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment.

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