Bridging Differences

Bridging Differences is an eight-week BerkeleyX course from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, taught by Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton and Allison Briscoe-Smith. It presents research-based strategies for dialogue, relationships and understanding across divides, with a particular eye on college campuses. The course first defines what bridging differences means and does not mean, including when trying to bridge with someone may be unwise or unhealthy, then makes the case for why it matters to individuals, communities and higher education. From there it covers recognising and guarding against your own biases and prejudices, communicating in ways that foster connection rather than division, finding commonalities with people who seem different, and supporting positive interactions between groups at odds with one another.

edX lists it as introductory and self-paced at two to three hours a week, with no prerequisites stated. Auditing is free while the course run is active and excludes graded assignments and the certificate; a verified certificate costs $169. The course is in English with English transcripts.