Peace Studies
Peace Studies program is a one-year interdisciplinary non formal education program which draws its' expertise from a number of social sciences and humanities, as well as the activist and advocacy experience of lecturers and participants. It seeks to understand the causes of conflict, develop approaches to prevent and stop violence, war and serious human rights violations and build sustainable peace – fair systems and societies strong enough to resist violence, inequality and injustice. Peace Studies have been continuously organized since 1997, offering a unique space for analyzing, understanding and critically assessing violence and social conflicts. Participants are individuals of different backgrounds (students, teachers, CSO members etc.) motivated to actively contribute to building a democratic society – a more just society with less violence and exclusion. Lecturers and guests are experts usually with an activist background.
The program encompasses 5 modules conducted through 14 seminars:
Module I: Key terms of Peace Education; Understanding conflict and violence – Introduction to Peace Education; Nonviolent action; Understanding and analyzing conflict;
Module II: Human Rights in theory and practice: HR in theory and practice; Sex, Gender, Queer;
Module III: Peacebuilding – Introduction to peacebuilding; Dealing with the past; Human Security;
Module IV: Combating racism and xenophobia – Migration and Post colonialism; Cultural pluralism emancipation in time of refugees;
Module V: Social solidarity – Globalization and Sustainable Development; Activism and social solidarity; Economic inequality and workers' rights; Feminist movements and practices.
Although seemingly autonomous, the modules and experts leading them continuously work on connecting and intertwining topics and themes keeping an eye on group dynamic during the year.
Every year around 30 participants are involved in 250 hours of education, practical work with mentors and various organized public events. Working methods include lectures, presentations, discussions, experiential learning etc. To successfully finish Peace Studies, participants need to actively participate in lectures, conduct their practical work in smaller mentored groups and write a finishing paper. Participants are actively involved in both oral and written evaluations of the program throughout the year.
