This multicultural, gender sensitive course is designed for students who wish to learn strategies and techniques for transforming thought and behavior for the purpose of resolving conflict. The course focuses on techniques that bring about positively focused changes through consistent experiences in community building and self-improvement. The curriculum is based on the Alternatives to Violence Project, which began in New York State in the 1970s. For more than 20 years, CEPPA Foundation’s Center for Peace Studies has implemented this program in Switzerland, Costa Rica and other Latin American countries.

Using an interactive, participatory methodology, we will focus on themes such as self-esteem and self-care, communication skills, cooperation, community building and conflict resolution—including mediation, bias awareness and cultural diversity. Mandatory fieldwork sessions will be held at a local school, a communal group or penal institution.