This course provides a basic introduction to the principles, conceptual underpinnings and creative design of curricula relevant to peace education and related fields in both formal and nonformal contexts. The course will initially review a range of theories of schooling and paradigms in curriculum theorizing, the debates that exist within, and their implications for the design of curricula. Emphasis is placed on curriculum development approaches that promote conflict transformation, transformative learning, critical pedagogy, and education for a holistic culture of peace. For many years, most countries in the Global South have simply reproduced curriculum materials from previous colonizers or adopted curriculum designs from the “West” or other colonial powers without due consideration to local needs and contexts. During the past decade, there have been efforts by ministries of education of many South countries to engage in a national process of curriculum development from basic to higher levels to make their educational system and curricula more responsive to the existing social, economic, cultural and political conditions of the country. Similarly, national and local development NGOs have designed educational programmes and resources more aligned with the aspirations of peoples organizations and grassroots movements. Students will explore practical ideas for appropriate, effective and creative teaching of peace-related curricula for all levels of formal schooling, nonformal peace education programmes of government and nongovernment agencies and community organizations. Finally, participants will write a curriculum relevant to their own areas of interest, work, and commitment to peace. While this course has been designed with a significant emphasis on the "educational" dimensions of peace and development, the course will be equally useful to non-teachers and non- professional educators.
- Professor: Virginia Cawagas