We will discuss the problem in Syracuse and examine some of the efforts to curb violence in our community. The project consists of racially mixed groups of approximately 12 people who meet for at least 7 sessions of 2 hours each. These groups, called Dialogue Circles, are intended to provide opportunities for honest conversations about race and racism, to offer a format for learning from the experiences of others, and to create practical recommendations for actions that organizations, institutions, and individuals can take to improve race relations and racial equality. Dialogue circles will be led by a diverse team of two facilitators who are responsible for stimulating and moderating the discussion by asking questions, identifying key points, and managing the group process. The process builds trust through exercises that emphasize common ground, then leads to honest discussion of issues that affect this community.
Participants learn how to be allies and how to work together to address racism.
While there are some outside readings that provide background for discussion, the primary focus of this class is on discussion among members of the Dialogue group. Students will need to attend each and every one of the seven sessions, read the thought-provoking assigned articles, and commit to participating in this honest dialogue of how we truly feel and how we can truly change. These seminars focus on the exploration of the Syracuse community through a scientific lens, to complement the exploration of the Syracuse community through a humanistic lens in HNR 210 and through a social science lens in the other sections of HNR 220. The HNR 230 seminars count in lieu of HNR 220 seminars toward General Honors requirements. Also examined will be thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other forms of severe weather and how they impact Central New York, with a special emphasis on the 1998 Labor Day storm.