HS 255F — Education for Development and Conflict Transformation

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

Explores the structural relationship between education, conflict transformation and development. It reviews the role of education as a driver of economic growth and social mobility, as well as inclusivity and conflict sensitivity, and analyzes how these core development and coexistence functions can be compromised during conflict and emergency situations. Using a case study approach, the course examines how specific education systems develop trust or mistrust between groups in relatively stable situations. Students also analyze the challenges faced by national governments and international organizations in delivering education programs during conflict and refugee situations, and the ways that formal and non-formal education can contribute to reconciliation and conflict transformation after protracted periods of conflict. Overall, the objective is to assess the role education can play to promote conflict-sensitive development, and determine how certain policies and practices are likely to build social cohesion and lead to positive development outcomes. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dassin and Mr. Lempereur