KYOKO OKUMOTO
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Objectives: This course is an introduction to Peace Studies, designed to understand numerous issues within Peace Studies. Students will learn that peace is not only an ideal concept, but an achievable goal. The emphasis of the course will be on how to learn and question, and to develop their ability of critical thinking.
Contents: The field of Peace Studies is comparatively new, and people are seeking the ways to "peace" from various aspects, such as economics, politics, religions, psychology, history, literature and more. We still live with many international and regional conflicts all over the world, and uncountable cases of violation of human rights as well. Under such circumstances, learning peace is indispensable.
Form: Lectures, discussions, presentations, quizzes, a term quiz, and a paper.
Class work: Students will be asked to read about 20 pages per week. They will take a quiz
to assess their understanding the assigned readings. Regular attendance is required and expected.
Students who miss class are responsible for finding out what work was done and what homework is
due.
The exam should assess students' reading ability and comprehension based on the contents
(Peace Studies) covered during the term.
Writing a paper: Students write a paper as follows. If a student does not turn in the assigned
paper, she cannot pass the course.
a total of 5 pages (minimum) --- up to 7 pages (maximum)
a draft and a final paper --- type written on A-4 paper, double spaced
two copies required (for the final paper)
(The late paper penalty policy: If a student does not turn in the paper by the original
deadline, she may turn one in late. Late papers will be penalized at minus 5% This policy is
applied to the final draft.)
Wright, Cyril, and Tony Augarde, eds. Peace Is the Way: A Guide to Pacifist Views and Actions.
Cambridge: Lutterworth, 1990.
| Homework and classwork (attendance, classroom participation, quizzes, presentations, etc.) |
30% |
a MLA style research paper
|
40% |
| Final quiz | 30% |
| Integrated Units | Topic Studies |
| Reading | Topic Studies I |
| Discussion | Topic Studies II |
| Academic Writing | Topic Studies III |
| IU Basics |
Goals in English education
1. To achieve proficiency to be able to follow classes in colleges and universities conducted in English
2. To gain knowledge and fundamental research skills necessary for further studies in an academic area
of interest
3. To have international perspectives and take a positive attitude toward different cultures
Goals in Topic Studies II
1. To develop your reading ability in English
2. To combine reading and discussion of the topic from the particular academic field you choose,
and writing of an essay
3. To put your language into practice and to write a paper
Of the topic
1. On the first day of the term, introduction of the topic and the text
2. Reading assignment of 10 pages before each class, along with the reading guide which is given during the last class
3. Vocabulary, comprehension questions, summary, paraphrases, or quizzes
4. Oral presentation (on a chosen article in the text) by each of the students
5. Explanation of the text by the instructor during the class
6. Group discussion for 15 minutes when possible
7. This course is conducted mainly in English.
8. The final exam is given in the last class.
Of writing a paper
1. On the first day of the term, instruction of the concept of a paper using MLA style
2. A list of topics and references given by the instructor
3. Choosing a topic of your interest, and submitting a paragraph
4. Thesis statement, an outline, and a bibliography
5. Rough draft, revised thesis statement, a revised outline, and a revised bibliography
6. Final draft, revised thesis statement, a revised outline, a revised bibliography and an old outline. Also, an oral presentation based on your paper in the last week of classes
Need information? Links To Research Sources
Go to International Peace Research Association (IPRA). -----Both English and Japanese sites are different but good!
Go to Other Links in IPRA HP Other Links made by IPRA.-----Thousands of great links will help you search for what you need!
Go to TRANSCEND.-----If you are interested in Conflict Transformation by Prof. Johan Galtung, this will be the best place to visit!
Go to Transcend Art and Peace Network.-----If you are interested in the role of the Arts for Peace, this will show you the growing movement of the area.
Go to Nonviolent Peaceforce.-----If you would like to know how nonviolence works and how effective it is, this site encourages you to believe in it!
Go to Culture of Peace News Network.-----For people who are interested in the role of the media for peace, this can be a good start. You can become a journalist here! You also get a lot of information!