As part of the efforts of Sweden's Malmo School of Education's "Preparedness for Peace" project, this document presents a conversation with Paul Smoker. Smoker is director of the Richardson Institute for Conflict and Peace Research, University of Lancaster, England. He has a long history of involvement with peace research and peace…

Presents background information on creative and destructive conflict between and among nations, treaty negotiations, political decision making, environmental conflicts, and research and training in conflict resolution. Suggestions for individual and group involvement are presented. (DB)

Discusses the meaning of postmodernism. Describes it as a distrust of universal truths, a shift toward social fragmentation, and a recognition of the world's plurality. Explains how members of different groups can view similar phenomena differently. Examines social studies teachers' role in educating students about the many different possible ways…

This book of essays offers an international perspective on how the concepts of war and peace develop in children and how, through overt teaching of conflict resolution and peacemaking skills in schools, a more peaceful world can be created. Following an introduction, the 14 essays in the book are grouped in 3 parts: (1) "Developmental…

Numerous reasons can be given for the low quality of teaching in the social studies. Teachers may be improperly certified, or they may teach to maintain employment rather than to do a good job. To teach peace studies courses requires the cream of the crop in terms of quality instruction. Teachers should be well above the minimum requirements for…

Suggests that the Judeo-Arabic heritage might play a potential role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Proposes a course of instruction that can be used at the secondary and college levels and is designed to aid teachers in learning and teaching about Judeo-Arabic heritage. Contends that students benefit from analyzing complex historical issues.…

This paper seeks to clarify the current debate about studying peace in schools and classroom by exploring: (1) the breadth of concern encompassed by peace education; (2) the educational legitimation for studying peace and conflict in the classroom, and (3) curriculum implications of peace education. The problems of peace encompass violence and…

Social conflict and the roles that parents, teachers, and students play in school-related conflict are discussed. Both general social conflicts, e.g., alcohol abuse, nuclear weapons, as well as school-related conflict, e.g., a student violates a school rule, should be dealt with in social studies classes. (RM)

Examines democracy as a social and political system. Defines democracy as an evolving process that moves toward consensus whereby citizens exercise their sovereignty in government based on values and laws. Identifies two cornerstones of democracy: sovereignty of the people and individual rights. Explores the guardianship role of education in…

As part of an effort by the project group "Preparedness for Peace", this publication presents a conversation with Dr. Valentina Mitina of the Research Institute of General Pedagogy, USSR Academy of Pedagogical Sciences. Dr. Mitina, a senior researcher specializing in comparative education, is also an activist in nongovernmental…

In the theme of insecurity there is a potential for peace education to address social education. Insecurity underpins the arms race and lies at the root of the growing cycle of violence. Peace education must help students understand the forms of structural injustices that preserve inequities and breed violence. (RM)