2011 Courses
All courses can be taken for training or for undergraduate credit. In addition, Covenants of Peace and Justice and Fellowship of Reconciliation can be taken for graduate credit. All courses run for 5 days, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Participants may apply for only one course each week and may apply for one week or for multiple weeks.

Click here to download the 2011 CSOP booklet of courses information.

Watch the video to hear what past participants are saying about the Canadian School of Peacebuilding.


SESSION I – JUNE 6-10, 2011

COVENANTS OF PEACE AND JUSTICE
BTS-3995/3 Undergrad Syllabus & BTS-5995/3 Graduate Syllabus
Stan McKay
This course will introduce a Cree Christian perspective on living in covenant relationships. An examination of biblical covenants, historic First Nations treaties and contemporary struggles for justice will be the focus for exploring the role of peacemakers in a global context. There will be discussion about the centrality of the natural world in developing approaches to peacemaking. There will be time each day in “sharing circles,” which will enable students to share from their perspectives and learn from each other. The final day may include a feast and conversations about our philosophies of life that help or hinder our work for justice and peace. Bring a folding chair or blanket so that we can spend time outdoors for a part of each day.

STUDY OF VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY
IDS-2521/3 - Syllabus
Mark Burch
Within International Development Studies, development is increasingly understood as a participatory, deliberate process aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals within community. This course examines the concept, theory, and practice of voluntary simplicity as a means of development for individuals seeking alternatives to consumer values and culture. The course explores both the historical roots of voluntary simplicity and its modern expressions, with special emphasis on the relevance of simplicity to building emotional well-being, vibrant community, sustainable environment, and social justice.

SESSION II – JUNE 13-17, 2011

CREATIVE ARTS AND CROSS-CULTURAL CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION
PCTS 2950/3
Michelle LeBaron
Cross-cultural conflicts involve navigating among diverse identities, meanings and ever-changing perceptions. Holistic approaches are needed to meet difference with dialogue and integrating intuition with analysis to inform collaborative processes.  Experiential education and dialogue will be used in this class to explore processes, capacities, and creative tools to bridge cross-cultural conflicts by drawing on multiple intelligences. We will apply theory, research and practical skills to interpersonal, intercommunal, and international conflicts.

INTERPERSONAL MEDIATION IN YOUR COMMUNITY: FRAMEWORKS, SKILLS AND PRESENCE
PCTS-2190/3 (Peace Skills Course) - Syllabus Updated
David Dyck
Offered in partnership with Resolution Skills Centre, the training division of Mediation Services.
This course explores the frameworks, skills, and personal qualities needed to effectively mediate between people in conflict. It is specifically designed for those who need to mediate between people they know well and who have a personal stake in seeing the conflict resolved. Developing a clear understanding of mediation theories and skills (knowing and doing) are essential and will form the backbone of the course. This course will devote significant time toward growing our beings, recognizing that who we are is at least as important as what we know or what we can do.

SESSION III – JUNE 20-24, 2011

NONVIOLENT ACTION STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
PCTS 3950/3 - Syllabus
George Lakey
We will explore several major topics that bear on the art of strategizing: (a) discerning the three major applications of non-violent action and how the framing of these affects strategy; (b) exploring two developmental models for strategizing (Bill Moyer’s and George Lakey’s); (c) studying the uses of strategy concepts such as “center of gravity” (Clauswitz), “campaign,” and “narrative.” Although theory matters for the course, the goal will be to assist participants to become more useful in the actual strategizing task. Case studies and strategy games will therefore be used.

PEACEMAKING CIRCLES: PHILOSOPHY AND APPLICATIONS
PCTS 2950/3 - Syllabus
Kay Pranis
This course will explore the values and philosophy that provide the foundation of the peacemaking circle process. It will also describe the structure of the peacemaking circle process as well as a variety of types of circles. The course will provide examples of the use of the process in the justice system, social services, faith communities, neighborhoods, schools and families. Participants will learn to design and conduct peacemaking circles for community building and conflict resolution. The course will be conducted in the peacemaking circle format providing direct experience for participants.