Courses
All courses can be taken for training or for undergraduate credit. In addition, courses marked with an asterisk (*) can also be taken for graduate credit and can be used towards CMU’s new MA in Peace and Collaborative Development (Click here for more information on the MA-PCD). Each CSOP course runs for 5 days, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Participants may apply for only one course each week and may apply for one week or for two weeks.
SESSION I: June 12 – 16, 2017
Journalism and Peacebuilding
Instructor: David Balzer
COMM/PCTS–2950C
There is evidence on a daily basis of the power of media to fuel or mitigate conflict in our world. This course will provide an overview of journalism theory, emphasizing its ideals and commitments. Lynch and McGoldrick (2005) define peace journalism as “when editors and reporters make choices – of what to report, and how to report it – that create opportunities for society at large to consider and value non-violent responses to conflict.” A series of case studies will investigate theoretical models and strategies of peace journalism practice. These case studies will constitute a primary feature of the course by offering interaction with working journalists and communication professionals who will elaborate and exemplify peace journalism, conflict-sensitive reporting, participatory journalism and related issues.
Expressive Trauma Integration: Caregiving and Conflict Transformation*
Instructor: Odelya Gertel Kraybill
PCTS/PSYC–3950C and PCD–5190C
This course examines the effects of trauma on individuals and communities and explores strategies for responding. Through reading and discussion of theory, and experiencing expressive art exercises, participants will be introduced to various aspects of trauma and tools for breaking the cycle of trauma/injury/conflict.
Key topics will include the need to address root causes and to utilize methodologies that do not depend on long-term involvement of highly-specialized professionals; applying multi-disciplinary responses to trauma; and the unique benefits of the expressive arts in work with people exposed to trauma. Attention will be devoted to the care of caregivers exposed to traumatized persons for an extended period and as well as strategies for mitigating risk of secondary trauma through stress management and self-care. The course will utilize a deeply engaging blend of stories, creative arts, experiential learning, and lectures. People interested in building their resiliency and learning to care for others who have experienced trauma are encouraged to participate.
Exploring the Refugee Challenge*
Instructor: Stephanie Phetsamay Stobbe
PCTS/POLS/IDS-3950C and PCD-5190C
The UNHCR 2014 Global Trends Report states that there are 60 million forcibly displaced people worldwide due to war, conflict, and persecution; this is the greatest number since World War II. Over the last few years, countries have struggled with how to assist refugees and internally displaced people from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Congo, Colombia, Myanmar, and many others. This course explores the root causes of forcibly displaced people; the costs associated with such movements, including economic and mental health; and what resettlement agencies are doing to assist refugees. It focuses on issues and lessons learned from the experience of resettling and integrating refugees, utilizing Canada as a case study. The course includes guest speakers from government, NGOs, and former refugees.