Peace Education (SIS-696)

Youth in Prison

2010-03-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for the efforts of DC residents in helping to pass the Omnibus Juvenile Justice Act of 2004. This piece of legislation has ended the abusive practice of incarcerating juveniles instead of trying to provide them with the tools to succeed in the DC community. The closing of Oak Hill has helped as well.

Bullying is a Violation of Human Rights

2010-03-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

One could argue that the experience of being bullied in school is a human rights violation. This tragic experience amounts to torment. Students who are bullied in school cannot escape their situation if one considers school rules on leaving the premises. Students who experience bullying cannot simply walk off of campus to escape the situation. Instead, they are stuck in a situation that amounts to torment and they are not able to leave. Bullied students are trapped in the same way that an innocent hostage is trapped. In "New Tactics to Tackle Bystander's Role in Bullying" it is suggested that people should understand their own and other people's feelings in an attempt to counter bullying. Rather, before we bully, we must put ourselves in the victim's shoes. However, there are some people who cannot do this. In fact, this even happens on the adult level where bosses abuse their employees. It represents a power-dynamic and if the perpetrator is aware that he/she can get away with it, then he/she is more likely to persist at bullying. How can this be corrected? The CAPSLE program seems to work well. Everyone has a role in the prevention of bullying and everyone must learn to recognize and effectively address it. No one should ignore it.

Are Americans Becoming More Peaceful?

2010-03-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting question. I believe that based upon our country's size, quality of media outlets and average level of education, we are not more peaceful. However, I don't believe that this is the fault of our citizens or something inherent to Americans. I believe that we are constantly misinformed and without the any real knowledge to pass judgement on military action. Iraq is a perfect example. The average citizen was sold a bag of goods on the threat that Iraq played after September 11th. We were misinformed. So, when we are told information through our media outlets that isn't true, but nonetheless seems authoritative, we tend to believe it and trust that it is correct. Americans need to be more critical of the media and keep a skeptical eye on information. Also, we must always question the validity of a statement.

A School of Love

2010-03-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

In the world of education, particularly within social studies, not much is ever taught to students about peace movements. There is much conversation about war, battles, conflicts and economic exploitation and how these factors shape history, but rarely do we learn about the things that aren't bloody. Why is this? I believe that we are not inclined to spend time teaching these aspects of history because our economy and way of life is so rooted in competition which involves outperforming the next guy. I understand that there might be an inherent human tendency to compete. However, how does this translate into battles and warfare? I hope that I can learn more about how we as human beings can come to realize that this kind of behavior gets us nowhere in the end. As a species and for our survival, we must learn to live peaceably and respectfully with each other and this begins with how we communicate and teach our students during the formative years.

Key Terms in Peace Education

2010-02-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

Some of the key terms that I am learning in peace education help clarify this burgeoning and exciting field. They include: transformation, creative solutions, constructive peace, multiculturalism, war prevention, non-violence, social justice, culture of peace, cultural proficiency, global agency, conflict competency, gender sensitivity, peace paradigm.

Class Two - American University SIS

2010-01-25T22:07:00.000-08:00

Peace Education: What is it all about??

I decided to take SIS-696 because I wanted to sample a course from the School of International Service at American University. Since I am an education major within the School of Education, Teaching and Health, the most logical choice for me within SIS was to register for Peace Education. This course is offered only once every three years, so I decided to jump on this opportunity. The class is incredibly interesting and the professor is great. I am looking forward to a wonderful semester and I hope to apply the course material within my own classes.

Despite the interest that I have in this class, I am still trying to figure out what the peace studies and peace education movement is about. I am thrilled to know that this burgeoning area of study is actually growing in popularity as more universities become interested in peace education. However, there are times when I wonder if anyone is actually listening to what the peace movement has to say. Hopefully, I will learn from this class what trends are taking place in the area of peace studies and education.