Please contact 202-885-1622 for location information closer to the date of the institute.
SIS 639.005 February 13-15, 2009
Systems Approach to Peacebuilding
Louise Diamond
In this age of interdependence, understanding the basic dynamics of complex living systems is a must for peacebuilders to be catalysts for enduring change. Situations of deep-rooted conflict demand operating with knowledge of how systems adapt, self-organize, sustain harmful patterns, self-reflect, and, ultimately, transform. This course uses a set of simple rules of systems thinking to explore how this approach can bring insight and skill to working as peacebuilders. First, the class studies the nature of complex systems in general and of conflict-habituated systems in particular. Next, it considers how the peacebuilder's presence and interventions can change the system's dynamics, intentionally and not; as well as how the system expresses itself through the peacebuilder, often unconsciously. This course is highly experiential, and mixes academic understanding with personal reflection and exploration to produce new tools and insights for the theory and practice of peacebuilding.
SIS 639.001 February 20-22, 2009
The Methodology of Peace
Amr Abdalla
This institute explores various research designs which can be utilized while completing research for a thesis in peace and conflict resolution, or other similar social science research. The course is designed to give students practical skills for researching their SRP (Substantial Research Paper requirement for completing Master's degree.)
Participants will be trained in and practice the following skills:
- Ways of drafting research questions and formulating them in researchable ways.
- Selected data gathering methods, including interviews, focus groups, observations.
SIS 639.002 Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2009
Psychosocial Consequences of War
Bonnie Miller
This seminar will discuss the effects of world conflict on various vulnerable populations. Pervasiveness of war and conflict and their impact will be discussed generally and using specific countries as examples. Psychological trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other psychiatric diagnoses, family difficulties, plight of refugees and displaced persons, social upheaval, and other psychological and social problems will be analyzed from theoretical and operational perspectives. Through first-hand experiences depicted in videos, individual testimony, and stories of children, the student will be exposed to anecdotal and personal experiences of people who were affected by war. At-risk populations such as children and youth, child soldiers, rape victims, concentration camp prisoners, soldiers and peacekeepers, the elderly, people with disabilities, inhabitants trapped in sieges, survivors of massacres and genocide, refugees to third countries, internally displaced persons, relatives of missing persons, and caregivers helping these groups will be accorded special attention. Challenges of reconciliation and healing as well as prevention of future conflicts will be examined. Small and large group discussion, role-play, hand-on activities, videos, films, literature, and other teaching methods will be employed for maximum interaction of the participants.
SIS 639.003 March 27-29, 2009
Using the Arts to Promote Coexistence and Reconciliation
Cynthia Cohen
This institute explores creative approaches to reconciliation, establishing peacebuilding capacity through the arts, the disciplines of the moral imagination and community-building. Students will experience the shifts in energy that come in engaging directly with art. This skills institute is highly interactive as students will participate in an activity that depends on listening, communication and acknowledgement of interdependence. They will experience how a circle of musicians can assist each individual in expressing his or her own story. All of these experiences will become the basis for reflection about the possibilities and risks of arts-based peacebuilding practices.
SIS 639.004 April 3-5, 2009
Human Rights Monitoring Ariela Blätter
This institute will provide students with the necessary skills to monitor human rights violations in global armed conflicts. This highly participatory class will instruct students on all forms of human rights monitoring, from the traditional preparation of reports, advocacy and interventions to the newest innovations in the use of satellite technology, Google Earth, cellphones /videophones and conflict blogging. Participants will gain theoretical and practical knowledge on the principles and methods of human rights monitoring in conflicts, both rapid onset and protracted. Students will learn, through current case studies, how to recognize and address human rights concerns such as refugee displacement and increase of Internally Displaced Persons, presence of humanitarian catastrophe, increased incidents of violence against civilians, arms transfers and clampdowns on freedom of expression and civil liberties. Students will also gain a solid understanding of the laws of war, in order to apply these standards to monitoring and responding to the egregious crimes of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, Aggression and War Crimes.
International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) at American University is a multi-disciplinary program in the School of International Service designed for students and faculty concerned with the causes of war and the conditions for peace. 