Overview
The Signature Course program offers Difficult Dialogues courses on a range of controversial topics. Faculty receive training and support to facilitate classroom dialogues on difficult and controversial topics. Difficult Dialogues faculty work with University and community leaders on dialogue-based approaches to teaching and learning. The program also offers workshops and resources for Difficult Dialogues faculty.
Difficult Dialogues courses cover areas such as cultural heritage and representation, gender and sexuality, health, human rights and ethics, immigration and cultural pluralism, race and ethnicity, religion in society, and sustainability.
History
In 2006, Difficult Dialogues began as part of a Ford Foundation initiative developed in response to reports of growing intolerance and efforts to curb academic freedom on U.S. campuses. UT Austin's program is one of many participating institutions that include 4-year public research and comprehensive universities, private research universities, private liberal arts and religious institutions. Difficult Dialogues transitioned from the Provost's office to the Humanities Institute in 2009, and as of 2023 is supported by the Undergraduate College.
Difficult Dialogues seminars are distinctive in their focus on teaching faculty and students the skills they need to participate in constructive dialogue about controversial and potentially divisive issues. To date, UT faculty have developed more than 50 Difficult Dialogue courses.