Recorded presentation

Joan M Murdock, PhD, Honors Scholars Program, University of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 210007, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0007, 513-484-8990, joancinti@fuse.net

Students enrolled in the Sociology Course "Race and Ethnic Relations" at Northern Kentucky University were assigned a "Peace Project" as part of their course requirements. The project consisted initially of learning about and discussing basic concepts of peace. In addition, students were given a handbook called "Peace Village Handbook" which was used to interview members of their communities. The handbook was designed to precipitate discussions about peace, what it means to individuals and ways that it might be achieved. The first question presented to interviewees was "What is Peace?" The four answer choices were 1)The absence of war, 2)A tranquil state, 3)Equality and wellness among all people, and 4)An elusive concept. The second question "Peace Begins With . ." had four answer choices as well, 1) Within me, 2) Within my home, 3) Within my community, and 4) Within my place of prayer and reflection. The handbook also included a list of words which interviewees selected as "synonomous with peace" and also had an opportunity to describe "What peace means to me." This project and handbook could be utilized on a wider basis involving younger schoolchildren as well as high school and college students. If we begin the dialogue about peace at an early age, we can begin to sow the seeds for a more peaceful future. Discussions about peace may ultimately reduce or prevent violence and increase understanding and acceptance in our world.

Learning Objectives:

• To learn about a Peace Project for university students and how it may contribute to promoting peace
• To review the beliefs and perspectives about the concept of "peace" among people from different backgrounds and communities
• To gain information about a tool the "Peace Village Handbook" and how it can be utilized to precipitate discussion and dialogue about peace
• To understand ways that violence may be prevented by increasing awareness about the many aspects of peace

Keywords: Violence Prevention,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation