Introduction

Jennifer Batton

This How to Manual for Colleges and Universities Developing and/or Enhancing their Programs in Peace and Conflict Studies is a product of a collaboration that began in 2009 in which lessons learned about the process of developing programs, certificates, and degrees in peace and conflict studies were shared, with details on capacity building, not only in the classroom, but in the college and university as a whole.  The 2018 manual builds upon the prior work which was a collaboration between Global Issues Resource Center, Cuyahoga Community College and the United States Institute of Peace, and is intended as a resource for faculty, staff and administrators, authored by faculty, staff and administrators.  As it was developed as “how to” handbook to assist colleges and universities as they build their programs, the content was to be written with practical, non-theoretical strategies for development.  The 2009 edition can be accessed here:  https://creducation.net/ccmanual/

Collaborating groups and institutions for the 2018 guide include: The Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, Peace Education Working Group, George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, and Wayne State University’s Master’s in Dispute Resolution Program.  The second edition on-line manual, no longer focuses specifically on community college level programs, but also includes four year and graduate level programs.  While the 2009 manual focused on capacity building and sustainability, the 2018 resource provides an overview of specific efforts such as examples of standards of community mediation applied in law schools/alternative dispute resolution centers, on-line and hybrid course development, career options and professionalizing programs.

The content and views expressed in these chapters, is solely the authors’ and does not necessarily reflect the editors’ views.  While the editors submitted requested changes, not all of the changes requested are reflected in the 2018 documents attached.

This is a work in progress, with additional chapters being submitted in May 2018 during the 12th International conference on Conflict Resolution Education, Bridging the Divide in Polarized Societies, to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, USA May 22 –  26th.  We would still welcome additional chapters on good practices in

  • Study Abroad
  • Credit vs. Non-credit
  • Faculty Development – Strategies for Faculty Development
  • Career Options for Students
  • Developing a Traditional Academic Program
  • Transfer Preparation
  • Conflict/Peace Centers
  • Program Management. Issues related to the overall management of students, faculty, and other dimensions of a program could be addressed
  • Selecting Electives. Related to developing a program, what is the criteria for including a course as an elective versus a core course?  The basic question of course development  – things to consider should also be addressed
  • Course Delivery. Examination of online/distance and hybrid course delivery possibilities. Service Learning and experiential education examples.

If you are interested in submitting a chapter, please contact Jennifer Batton, Chair of the Peace Education Working Group for the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict before May 27th, 2018.  She can be reached at +1 (USA) 216-952-5609 or by email at Jennifer.Batton@case.edu   The guidelines for submission can be located at:  http://msass.case.edu/cre-2018/