MMW 14 / MMW 122 — Pluralism and Community (Winter 2027)

Pluralism and Community is a weekly seminar that focuses the Making of the Modern World program’s comparative and global lens on a live question: how can individuals and communities thrive amid differences in worldviews and convictions? The course examines religious pluralism alongside ideological and viewpoint diversity, studying cases in which pluralism has succeeded and considering, when it failed, what went wrong. The course pairs foundational and contemporary texts on the topic with structured dialogue exercises across lines of difference, and requires the development of a student pluralism project. Building on the MMW historical and analytical foundation, the seminar asks students to reflect upon the challenges of campus and civic life, and consider pathways to strengthen community across differences.

Note: Students must be prepared to listen carefully and engage respectfully across differences, including when they disagree with—or even strongly dislike—the perspectives expressed by others. In this sense, the course seeks to model community through difference rather than community without difference, where disagreement is marginalized, avoided, or purged. Such engagement is challenging and, for some, may be extremely difficult. For that reason, this seminar is designed for those who choose this format, wish to engage this topic, and can work within this paradigm. For those who prefer a different approach, there are other excellent MMW course options available.

Space is very limited. Apply to participate by November 1.