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

Space is limited in this low-enrollment seminar.

Applications due by October 26 (see below).

This course 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 viewpoint diversity, studying cases in which pluralism has succeeded and considering, when it failed, what went wrong. The course pairs texts on the topic with structured dialogue that welcomes honesty and makes “brave space” for difference, concluding with the development of a student pluralism project. Building on the historical and analytical foundation of MMW, the seminar asks students to reflect upon the challenges of campus and civic life, and consider pathways to strengthen community across differences.

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. We aim to cultivate a community in which differences are welcomed and disagreement is taken seriously and addressed respectfully, rather than dismissed and condemned without dialogue. The course seeks to model community through difference, rather than to manufacture a community that marginalizes disagreement by silencing other views in favor of a single “doctrinal” position. This kind of engagement can be challenging and uncomfortable, particularly because it is not a regularly cultivated practice at the university.

Given this course’s mission, students should apply to participate only if they affirm these goals and are willing to work within this paradigm. Seminar participants must remain committed to attentive listening, empathetic dialogue, and mutual respect throughout, including when encountering perspectives they oppose. Students who do not wish to participate in this kind of learning environment are encouraged to choose one of the other excellent MMW options, taught concurrently in our standard format.

Space is very limited. Apply to participate by October 26.