Time Schedule:
Theron P. Stevenson
CHID 498
Seattle Campus
Each colloquium examines a different subject or problem from a comparative framework. A list of topics is available from the CHID office.
Class description
Facilitated by Theron Stevenson. Class meets in Padelford C-101 on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:20. Participants will examine theories about how communities, nations and ethnic groups come to engage in violent conflict, and how those conflicts can be addressed and resolved. Spring quarter's readings will focus on the conflict in Guatemala, and the different dimensions of the peace agreement that was negotiated there in the 1990s. Also, following the success of last spring's visit by South African scholar/activist Yazir Henri, we will plan for the 2nd annual Veterans of Inter-communal Violence Seminar, sponsored by the Clowes Center for Conflict and Dialogue Studies. Our proposed speaker is a former guerilla from Guatemala, who now works on healing and empowerment of indigenous communities. The event will connect him and his organization with the UW and the Seattle community. See course webpage at https://staff.washington.edu/theron/Clowes%20Center%20Courses/CHID%20498%20E.SPR07.shtml
Student learning goals
To consider ways of understanding/presenting the concepts and stories of places and times of conflict.
To consider the ways in which international and indigenous agents contribute (or might contribute) to violent conflict and to peace building in "post-conflict" societies. Using Guatemala as our case study, we will read articles and other documents on the effects of military and paramilitary intervention, internationally mediated peace processes, and the work of local organizations to rebuild their communities.
In order to keep the group informed on current events in Guatemala, a different participant each week will present on news articles about Guatemala from the previous week.
To engage the University community, and the broader community, with these ideas. As a group, we will plan the logistics for the Clowes Center's 2nd annual "Veterans of Inter-communal Violence" lecture at UW during the second half of spring quarter. We will host a Guatemalan speaker, Mr. Maco Gavarito.
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
1. One class presentation on at least two recent news media articles related to current political events in Guatemala.
3. Completion of weekly reading assignments. These readings are designed to introduce us to course concepts, provide background on our speakers, and lead to a shared body of knowledge. Come prepared to comment on the readings in class!
4. Completion of assigned task(s) relating to Mr. Maco Gavarito's spring visit.
This is a Cr/NCr course.
