Summer Institute on Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution

On this page: Summary of Course Topics, Teaching Methods, Course Schedule, and Program Faculty.

El Fuerte (pre-Inca ruins) near Samaipata               Main Plaza, Santa Cruz

SUMMARY OF COURSE TOPICS

The course will provide an overview of the theory and practice of conflict resolution and peacebuilding with a focus on providing concrete skills participants can use in the field. The course includes the following topics:

·         Conflict analysis & assessment

·         Conflict resolution and peacebuilding practices

·         Cross-sectoral approaches to peacebuilding and conflict resolution

·         Skills development in negotiation and other  practical skills

·         Post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation

·         Careers in peacebuilding and conflict resolution

TEACHING METHODS

The course will provide a supportive learning environment that maximizes interaction and skills building. The course combines brief lectures, case studies, field trips, role-plays, simulations, and guest speakers that practice peacebuilding and conflict resolution or work in related fields, such as humanitarian relief, development, and human rights.

COURSE SCHEDULE

We ask that people arrive in Santa Cruz on Saturday, June 14, 2008 (flights from the US generally arrive in the morning). We will have an orientation session and opening dinner on Saturday night, an introductory session and tour of Santa Cruz on Sunday, with classes beginning on Monday. The final class day and closing dinner will be Friday, July 11 with departures on Saturday, July 12, 2008.

The course will be held in English, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday (with 1-2 hours for lunch), with some evening and weekend activities. Participants will have ample free time to see local sites and sample local entertainment.

The course will be based in Santa Cruz, Bolivia with travel to La Paz, Bolivia for one week.

PROGRAM FACULTY

Nike Carstarphen, Ph.D. and Craig Zelizer, Ph.D., Senior Partners at ACT, will teach the central parts of the program.

Other ACT trainers, Nur University faculty and staff, and representatives from local, national and international institutions and organizations will serve as guest lecturers and trainers for certain segments of the program.

Past Guest Trainers/Speakers include:

• Ms. Annalise Romoser, US Office on Colombia
• Ms. Griselda Torrico, Director, Community Conciliation Center, Bolivia
  
• Ms. Vanessa Castedo, Ms. Cindy Michel, and Ms. Roxana Trigo, Fundación CONSENSO, Bolivia
• Mr. Pedro Gómez, Fundación UNIR, Bolivia
  
• Mr. Gustavo Pedrazo, former Minister of Sustainable Development, Bolivia & UN Counselor
• Dr. Alejandro Bendaña, former Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nicaragua & UN Counselor; Founder & President Centro de Estudios Internacionales, Managua, Nicaragu
• Ambassador John McDonald, Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy, USA
• Mr. Joel Vargas, United Nations Development Program, Bolivia
• Ms. Ana Teresa Bernal, Director, REDEPAZ, Colombia
• Ms. Giselle Huamani Ober, Conflict Resolution, Specialist, SNV Netherlands Development Organization, Peru
• Riaz Shoaie Baker, Executive Director, CEADB (Center for Environmental Studies), former Vice Rector for Academics, Nur University
• Other experienced practitioners from the Bolivian national and local government, local organizations and indigenous groups