Introduction to Peace Studies

IIPS 30101

OR…

What you call a course when the faculty can’t agree on a name for it…

The goals To be able to think deeply, write smartly

and debate effectively about issues of violence and peace.

To find out “what is peace” and “how do we get there”.

To assess the terrorism moment “we” find ourselves in and to test its meaning for the prospect of/for peace (with security).

To be critically reflective – especially on what pulls and pushes on our own sensibilities about peace.

How we get to these goals Think, write, debate…

…especially for the major puzzler assignments

What is peace & getting there… 6 ½ weeks after the focus on violence

Assess the moment… Read current events, op-ed pieces, books Listen Write

Critically reflective Push yourself and others to talk and write

Assessing violence, terrorism, war and our moment in history

Professor’s Role: Present various

ways of discussing and understanding violence

Focus on social science understandings of violence

Ask obnoxious questions and pose puzzles

Your Role: Read the

“competing” books Choose your

grading scheme Reflect, write,

discuss, reassess

Examining the ways to peace

Personal non-violence Non-violent direct action for social

change Conflict resolution-transformation

efforts Peace as dealing with the violence

problem in a structural sense

What we don’t cover

Local, domestic violence…murder, crime, gangs, etc.

Arguments based exclusively in justice or poverty terms.

Very much that the way to peace is to be a person with a heart of peace…or who is effective in praying for peace.

Writing on the themes, etc.

Your task is to get your “credits” to add up to 100%. 1 - 3 puzzlers from which to choose The midterm essay, plus the final

exam - big questions Action/service learning via “Take Ten”

Other issues Attendance and class participation Staying on schedule and being

interactive with the material - i.e. the classes, the readings, etc.

Talking to others – discuss your ideas with people who let you say what is on your mind, and who might challenge you to change your thinking.

The people in the course You!

the active learner Me

the questioning professor Osama

the icon of terrorism George Bush, et al.

the formal power Our families

the formative forces “THEM”

everybody touched by peace

Your questions and concerns

It may be helpful to keep a running list of the questions you encounter throughout the semester. Return to them often to see what you

can answer or explore. Find people with whom to talk

about your questions!