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PEAC303 Active Resistance: Contemporary Nonviolence

Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 On line
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
08 April 2013 12 April 2013 Non-Mandatory Non-mandatory school for on- and off-campus students. A festival of lunch-time films followed by discussion.
Supervised Exam There is no UNE Supervised Examination.
Pre-requisites any 12cp or candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions PDPS301 or PDPS401 or PEAC301 or PEAC503
Notes None
Combined Units PEAC503 - Active Resistance: Contemporary Nonviolence
Coordinator(s) Marty Branagan (marty.branagan@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

The unit begins with an overview of the essential elements of nonviolence, before discussing historical and contemporary case studies such as Australia's Freedom Rides and the Arab Spring. It looks at the evolution of nonviolence since Gandhi (such as lock-ons at environmental blockades), and the contemporary relevance of nonviolence as an alternative to the huge carbon footprint of militarism. It examines how nonviolence works, its 'consent' theory of power, its strategies and tactics. It explores its successes even against ruthless opponents such as Pinochet, Marcos and the former totalitarian regimes of the communist bloc. Artistic, spiritual and personal aspects of nonviolence (such as parenting for a peaceful world) are also discussed.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict
ISBN: 9780312240509
Ackerman, P. and DuVall, J., Palgrave 2001
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On Campus and Online
The Strategy of Nonviolent Defense: A Gandhian Approach
ISBN: 9780791425886
Burrowes, R., State University of New York 1996
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On Campus and Online
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 50% 2500-3000
Assessment Notes
Essay
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 2, 4-7
Assignment 2 50% 2500-3000
Assessment Notes
Essay
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 2, 4-7

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. critically discuss the issues and theories surrounding non-violence and non-violent action;
  2. analyse case histories of non-violent action; and
  3. examine how they can apply non-violence in their daily life.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of the peace studies discipline, specific to this unit, is taught on an external basis by using the online facility where essential materials are accessed. The unit is assessed through two written assignments and online participation is encouraged. 		True True
2 Communication Skills
Students will be taught communication skills through written feedback on the assignments of the unit. Students will be assessed on the style of writing, clarity of writing, expression and development of ideas, and referencing. Students will practise their communication skills through completing the assessment tasks and online discussion participation. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Students are encouraged to examine how non-violence can be practiced in Australian society. They learn the theory of non-violence and will have an awareness of global non-violent movements. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Students will be directed to relevant literature and taught how to assess its validity. Students will be assessed on their ability to identify and critically analyse the relevant literature. 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
By completing the assessments, students will be provided with the necessary life-long skills to be able to research, write and discuss social issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, and will be useful in any research positions. These attributes will be assessed in all of the assessments. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct the essay question and to integrate theory and literature into their answer. Students will need to work out how to address the question and where the most appropriate material is to answer the question. Students are also taught how to overcome/transform conflict through the use of nonviolence. 		True
7 Social Responsibility
Students will be taught about their professional responsibilities as a researcher to provide balanced and accurate research. In addition, students will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts' and understanding the importance of understanding the dynamics of conflict. This will be assessed and taught through their responses to the essays. In addition, students acknowledge the social and ethical implications of their actions.Students will also be taught about the ethics of violence and non-violence. 		True True
8 Team Work
Students are encouraged to examine how non-violence can be practised in Australian society. They learn the theory of non-violence and will have an awareness of global non-violent movements. 		True
   

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