Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Peace Education Syllabus - Mumbai University

About this course

This course emphasizes the integration of peace education as a core component of social work training programs. Education for peace involves active engagement with the principles of peace and promotes values, life skills, and knowledge that support equality, respect, empathy, understanding, and mutual appreciation among individuals, communities, and nations. Implementing peace education not only enhances students' overall well-being but also advocates for justice and equitable treatment of youth, while fostering a sense of individual and collective responsibility among both educators and learners. No civilization can be considered truly progressive without a strong education system, and no education system can be deemed transformative unless it is rooted in the universal principles of peace. In response to contemporary global challenges, there is an increasing recognition within the education sector of the need to equip college students with the knowledge and skills necessary for peaceful coexistence. As a result, more educational institutions around the world are integrating peace- related concepts, values, attitudes, and behavioural competencies into their curriculam.

Course objectives

• To familiarize students with the concepts of peace and conflict, as well as the sources of conflict within the Indian socio-economic and political context.
• To critically analyse the issue of issue-based conflicts in India and develop strategies for peacebuilding.

Learning outcomes

• CO 189 Discuss the origins and significance of peace education, along with its role in global contexts.
• CO 190 Analyse the sources and dynamics of conflict in Indian society and explore methods to address them.
• CO 191 Develop strategies to counter communalism and foster peace in diverse societies.
• CO 192 Design and implement interventions that address conflicts and promote peace in various societal contexts.

Unit I: Introduction of Peace and Significance of Peace Education

• Origins of Peace Education: UN
• UNESCO charter on Peace Education
• Significance of peace education in the present context
• Principles and Goals of Peace Education
• Meaning of Peace. Difference between positive and negative peace
• Core Principles and Values associated with Peace Education

Essential readings

• Jain, R., & Rauf, T. A. (2012). Education for Peace – Guidance for frontline workers. Institute for Peace
• Studies and Conflict Resolution.
• Page, J. (2008). Peace Education – Exploring Ethical and Philosophical Foundation. United States of America: Information Age Publishing, Inc.

Unit II: Understanding Issue-based conflicts and peace initiatives

• Theoretical understanding of conflicts
• Understanding the concepts of Communalism, Fascism, Terrorism Radicalisation, Ghettoization, regionalism and Hyper Nationalism.
• Causes of conflicts in the Indian Socio, Economic and Political Context and its impact on the Minorities, Gender, Caste, Class and Ethnic Groups
• Initiatives and Strategies for peace and harmony
• Role played by government and Civil Society Organisations in maintaining a Peaceful Society
• Retribution and Restorative justice
• Understanding Syncretism in Indian Society

Essential readings

• Galtung, J. (1996). Peace by Peaceful means – Peace and Conflict, Development, and Civilization. London: Sage Publication Ltd.
• Synder, J. (1993). The New Nationalism: Realist Interpretations and Beyond. In R Rosecrance, & A. A. Stein, The Domestic Bases of Grand Strategy (pp. 179- 200). London: Cornell University Press.
• Rashid, H. (2005). An Introduction to peace and conflict studies. Bangladesh: University Press