Bridges not Walls: Dialogue in Times of Polarisation

Source: https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/open-programmes-iis/bridges-not-walls-dialogue-in-times-of-polarisation/bridges-not-walls-dialogue-in-times-of-polarisation.html?origin=8P%2Bydhc4QWqguxxA7xCpKg Parent: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/open-programmes/open-programmes.html

In a world where people seem to be polarizing rather than communicating, the connection between people appears to be disappearing. In the course “Bridges not Walls: Dialogue in Times of Polarization”, students learn what it takes to restore this connection, how to facilitate constructive conversations, and how to defuse tensions.

The course focuses on understanding and facilitating constructive dialogue in conflicting contexts. In weekly seminars, students learn to analyze the causes and dynamics of conflict and how to set up dialogue processes to bridge differences where friction arises. Students practice skills such as facilitating difficult conversations, listening with empathy, asking questions, and dealing with emotions.

Through case studies, role-playing, and guest lectures, students are challenged to apply their knowledge not only theoretically but also practically: in a group they will set up and facilitate a dialogue process step by step around a chosen conflict theme. Special attention is paid to building trust and managing escalating conflict, so that there is room for genuine connection again. In particular, students will work with the Inner Development Goals framework to enhance their inner skills on ‘trust’, ‘empathy’, and ‘courage’, to be used in their dialogue work.

Coordinator

J. van den Boogert MSc

Timetable

You can find the timetable on Datanose.

Entry requirements

Open to second-year and third-year UvA Bachelor's students and other interested parties, such as contract students or students from other Dutch higher education institutions. Master's students can only participate if there are still spots available.

Registration

UvA Bachelor's students can register from 1 to 8 December 2025 in the GLASS registration rounds. Master’s students can send a short motivation to keuzeonderwijs-iis@uva.nl.

‘Bijvak’ students and contract students can register from 1 December 2025until two weeks prior to the start of the course, by completing the online registration form.

If you have any trouble while registering, please contact us at keuzeonderwijs-iis@uva.nl.

Costs

Prices can be found on the IIS website.

Facts & Figures

Mode : Open UvA Course

Credits : 6 ECTS,

Language of instruction : English

Conditions for admission : Open

Starts in : February