International Peacebuilding and the Role of Education

(3 Credits)

This course explores the politics of conflict, peacebuilding, humanitarianism and the role of education in promoting violence or peace. We ask, what causes conflict and how is peace built? How do education, civil society, peacekeeping, and humanitarian aid factor in for both conflict and peace? What role do young people have in this process? Preliminary case studies include Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Ukraine, and the US. We will meet with local and international organizations supporting peacebuilding (e.g., Human Rights Watch, IRC, UNHCR) as well as activists in exile. We will discuss sensitive topics related to social unrest and consider conflict-affected populations’ access to quality education during conflict or displacement, refugee migration, and peacebuilding. The class will take place in Athens, Greece, meet with displaced populations, and work in partnership with a local organization that trains refugee youth in media arts and migration reporting. Learning firsthand about refugee life, students will write and present a short research article based on data collected while in Greece.