(2019-20 SU) PAX 532 B - Formation for Peacebuildng Practice

PAX 532  Formation for Peacebuilding Practice

As individuals working for peace, social justice, reduction of violence, and the possibility of reconciliation, we are the instruments of the work. How can we best prepare ourselves to take constructive action whether in a professional role or in a personal relationship?  This course will explore four areas of awareness and accountability essential for effectiveness in our action efforts. These areas of content and engagement, described more fully in the syllabus, are self-awareness, self-assessment, self-management, and self- and community care.

In focusing on these four areas, we’ll consider the roles we play, the skills we have and need, and the processes available to us for doing the work.  The intensive on-line experience will make use of in-person instruction and conversation, video inputs, personal action and reflection, paired and plenary discussion, demonstration, and a sampling of non-traditional forms of learning and integration (e.g arts-based methods, play, music/rhythm, etc). We will also plan and practice (as appropriate) selected strategies for structuring conversations and decision-making. Course participants will strengthen their abilities to understand and manage self, attend to self/communal care, and assess appropriateness of action. And in this unusual time globally, we will practice and reflect on physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual elements of well-being and growth.

This course is being offered for 3 graduate academic credits. It cannot be taken for reduced credit or as training. The syllabus details course requirements and evaluation.