Intergroup Dialogue and Religious/Spiritual Identity: Addressing Faith Privilege, Conflict, and Marginalization in U.S. Higher Education

• In Event: Pathways to Peace Education

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of the Intergroup Dialogue pedagogy in college courses about religious/spiritual identity in the United States. To date, no empirical publications discuss the experiences and outcomes of students in religion/spirituality themed Intergroup Dialogue courses. Thus, this paper reports on findings from a multiple case study of three such courses at a large public university in the Mid-Atlantic region. Implications from this study are outlined for practitioners, facilitators, administrators, and researchers of Intergroup Dialogue. Moreover, this paper offers some foundational suggestions for a broader discussion on interfaith, intercultural, and interethnic dialogue as a peacebuilding tool in other contexts, both in the United States and around the world.

Author

• Sachi Edwards, University of Maryland