STUDY CIRCLES ON RACE RELATIONS
PROGRAM
Kretzmann Hall 123, 464-5411Co-Directors:
Jane Bello-Brunson, Director of Multicultural Programs and Adjunct Instructor of General Studies;
Bill Marion, Jr., Professor of Mathematics & Computer ScienceBRIEF HISTORY
“Democratic Dialogue and Action for Stronger Communities."Study Circles in Northwest Indiana began in 2000 when a group of dedicated Valparaiso University faculty and staff voluntarily participated in weekly study circles on race relations. The positive experience led to the core group’s decision to use this model as a tool to educate students and the community on a proactive way to improve race relations. Subsequently, members of the core group obtained training to become study circles facilitators. And, an academic course was developed utilizing the study circles model. In addition, VU hosted a tri-county conference in 2001 to promote study circles in the region. Since then, study circles on race relations have continued both on campus and in the surrounding communities.
The 2-credit course, GS 200: Study Circles on Race Relations, can be used to partially fulfill the Cultural Diversity requirement. Also, a new one-credit course, GS 201: Facilitator Training for Study Circles, has been approved. These two courses, taken as a package, will satisfy the three-credit Cultural Diversity Course component of the Cultural Diversity General Education requirement.
This course will offer students the opportunity to engage in a series of participatory, democratic discussions about race relations on campus and in society. In addition, students will learn how to become involved in improving human relations by developing and implementing an ‘action plan’ component that involves collaborative, practical strategies that improve race and ethnic relations on campus and in
our community. The instructor(s) for the course will serve as facilitator(s), establishing ground rules for safe, focused discussion in which participants can exchange ideas freely and consider a variety of views about race relations.
By taking this course the students will: understand the role of a facilitator and practice the basic skills needed to be an effective study circle leader. There will be weekly readings and reflection papers as well as an end of the term report. This course is offered for S/U grade only and may be used in partial fulfillment of the Cultural Diversity component of the General Education Requirements.
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"If people are informed they will do the right thing.
It is when they are not informed
that they become hostages to their prejudices."
~Charlayne Hunter-Gault
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is a Study Circle class?
A Study Circle class is a small group of students who engage in a series of democratic discussion and dialogue about race relation issues on campus and in society.
- What is the goal of a study circle on race relations?
The goal is to deepen understanding and judgment, and to think about ways to make a difference on a community issue you care about. This can occur in a safe, focused discussion where people exchange views freely and consider a variety of views. The process--democratic discussion among equals--is as important as the content.
- Why should we have study circles?
At the heart of study circles is democratic dialogue--where people of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds sit down together and respectfully hear each other's experiences and concerns. In this way, people can come to better understanding and appreciate others, rethink stereotypes and misperceptions, and build relationships.
The study circles dialogue also provides participants the opportunity to consider a wide variety of views. In this way, people can grapple with the many sides of public problems, come to a more complete understanding of the issues, explore disagreements, and search for common concerns. This openness lays a strong foundation for multifaceted community collaboration and problem solving.
- What is unique about a study circle?
The unique thing about the study circle is moving from dialogue to the ‘action plan' component. Each participant is asked to devise practical actions and strategies for addressing racism and race relations and an opportunity to fulfill the potential of their deliberation by working with others to make a difference.
