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I. Course Title: Communication and Peace: For Activism and Leadership (WI)

II. Course Number: PEAC 310

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: PEAC 200

V. Course Description: 

Designed to help students become skilled in peaceful communication.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

This course will provide students an opportunity to explore different avenues of communication in relationship to peace. The beginning of the course will start with looking at identify, self- awareness and self-talk and its impact on the individual. How do people frame their behaviors and beliefs to either support their endeavors or detract from them? Students will look at the concept of cognitive distortions and how they impact their goals and decision making. Students then will entertain communication and peace as it relates to relationships. We will be using the work of Marshall Rosenburg and non-violent communication. Students will learn how to become reflective listeners. Students continue to build on interpersonal communication and look at how to deal with conflict by learning conflict resolution techniques which include reframing techniques and feedback guidelines. Peace activists often have to work in building consensus so students will be exposed to group facilitation skills and consensus building. Activists are often asked to take leadership roles; therefore, students will look at the concept of peace leadership. Finally, students will learn how to communicate their concerns on a more global level by developing written communication processes to support peace activism and leadership. Students will ask to research a topic where they will then have to develop a position on a topic that promotes peace. Through a writing process, students will have to produce a written product in the form of a brochure, op-ed, letter to the editor, or letter to an elected official.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

The course format includes but is not limited to large and small group discussion, individual and group presentations, journal article and textbook reading, demonstration lessons, simulations, and practical applications. Because the course is designated as a writing intensive course, students will also develop, persuasive writing skills.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Goal 1: understand the relationship between self-awareness, identity and decision making as activists and leaders

• Students will be able to examine their personal internal dialog using a variety of frameworks

Goal 2: develop active listening

• Students will be able to demonstrate elements of active listening skills relating to non-violent communication

Goal 3: examine conflict resolution skills/restorative justice

• Students will be able to identify the elements necessary for effective conflict resolution and demonstrate steps involving conflict resolution
• Students will be able to examine how behaviors, beliefs, and diversity impact conflict resolution

Goal 4: examine effective group building skills

• Students will be able to describe group dynamics and elements of effective consensus building skills
• Students will be able to examine how behaviors, beliefs, and diversity impact groups

Goal 5: examine the concept of peace leadership

• Students will be able to examine the skills and strategies related to peace leadership
• Students will be able to examine how behaviors, beliefs, and diversity, impacts peace leadership

Goal 6: develop position paper on peace topic

• Students will be able to research a topic and in writing effectively, formulate a position regarding a topic relating to peace.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

A variety of assessments may include, but are not limited to:

• Written assignments on a peace-related topic
• Video-taped vignettes demonstrating reflective listening, consensus building, and conflict resolution skills
• Journal entries, reflective writings
• Project-based assignments
• Presentations
• Quizzes and tests

Other Course Information- This course has been approved to be part of the BB&T leadership program with an emphasis on social and ethical leadership. It will be required to of offered two times over the next five semesters

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021