PACS 101 Peace Studies II

School of University Arts and Sciences

PACS 101 Peace Studies II is the second of two introductory core courses in Peace Studies at Selkirk College. This course will focus on traditional and non-traditional approaches to Conflict Resolution transformation. Students will be introduced to conflict theory and conflict analysis, as well as conflict transformation strategies ranging from general principles and key concepts in arbitration, negotiation non-violent action, mediation, reconciliation and forgiveness, and alternative dispute resolution including, non-violent communication, peacemaking circles, conflict transformation, and conflict free conflict resolution. Students will practice identifying, analyzing, role playing, mapping, and peacefully resolving or transforming conflicts that range from the interpersonal to the international.

Prerequisites: English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or ENGL 60 with a minimum grade of 60%

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – YesBlock Transfer – Yesbctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours45
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture3

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Define and analyze conflict in terms of scope (interpersonal to geopolitical), escalation, contributing factors (culture, gender), and personality types
  2. Apply various frameworks to understand and analyze conflicts
  3. Analyze and practice various pathways to transforming and resolving conflicts
  4. Describe and analyze the goals and endpoints of transforming conflicts: retributive, restorative, socio-economic and symbolic justice
  5. Incorporate strategies to effectively approach conflict in their personal and professional lives

Teaching and Learning Approach

Each class will normally follow a lecture informed by readings, research, and current events. Classes are interactive, making pre-reading, preparation for presentations, attendance, and tracking current events integral to student success in the course.

Learning Resources

Janzen, R. (2018). Conflict analysis and transformation: An introduction for students, activists and communities. Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. (available on Moodle) War Resisters International (2014). Handbook for nonviolent campaigns. Available at: https://www.nonviolent- conflict.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/wri_handbook_2014_inner_AMENDED.compressed1.pdf Additional required readings are on the Moodle site.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Intake Week; Orientation; What is Conflict? 2. Introduction to Peace Studies; What is Conflict? What is Conflict Transformation? 3. Conflict Analysis – Frameworks and Models 4. A Framework for Conflict Transformation 5. Communication Skills for Better Teamwork; Active Listening 6. Power: From imbalance to Equality 7. READING WEEK 8. Relationships: From Fear to Trust 9. Awareness and Understanding: From "Unknowing" to "Woke" 10. Building Skills: From Passion to Competence; Nonviolent Communication 11. Problem-solving: Peace in Action 12. Evaluating Conflict Transformation 13. Note: Friday Apr. 2 Good Friday Holiday; Mediation, Alternative Dispute Resolution Processes; Community Conversations 14. Note: Monday Apr. 5 Easter Monday Holiday Problem Solving, Reconciliation, and Forgiveness 15. Final Exam Period

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Active Participation, In-Class & Online Activities, and Quizzes1, 2, 3, 4, 540%
Conflict Analysis and Transformation Group Conflict Analysis and Transformation GroupReport 1, 2, 3, 4, 525%
Presentation1, 2, 3, 4, 515%
Final Exam1, 2, 3, 4, 520%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.