Intercultural Dialogue and Perception (SNF Paideia Program Course)

Catalog description

Students taking this course will emerge with increased confidence to interpret complex issues and manage diverse relationships. This course will offer a safe space for students to exchange cultural and personal points of view as expressed in many forms and to then participate in dialogues that delve into these rich and complex forms of expression. Through experiential learning, students will build awareness of the extent and depth of perception and biases - particularly those related to cultural differences – and build openness and acceptance of others and their perspectives. Students will engage in dialogues to inquire into personal and cultural differences, thereby participating in intercultural communication. Art will be used intensively to create a neutral platform for perceiving cultural differences through careful exploration, verbal description, and an exchange of insights into ways artists express concerns, biases, and world views. The course is experiential and hands-on. It requires personal commitment, an open mind and a desire to grow using new, non-traditional and effective ways of connecting art and intercultural dialogue. It does not require prior knowledge of or experience with art or an artistic or creative personality. As part of the experiential learning, some of the course activities will take place in museums, art galleries and other venues in Philadelphia.