FALL Semester 2012 Nonviolence Courses

HPR 110-0001: Psychology of Violence and Nonviolence (3cr).

Professor Charles Collyer

Tuesdays 4pm-6.45pm, Lippitt 401.

This is a small freshman seminar (limited to 20 students) in which discussions center around examples of nonviolence as a response to violence and oppression, psychological and other roots of direct and structural violence, nonviolence as peaceful problem-solving, and tasks for nonviolence education. General education course (social sciences).

HPR 319: The World’s Religions and Cultures: Exploring Our Wisdom Traditions and Spirituality (An Honors Tutorial in Interdisciplinary Studies) (3cr)
Prof. Art Stein
In exploring the wisdom and traditions of the world’s peoples, we will focus on their role in the lives of individuals, communities and societies. In doing so, we will seek to distill the essence and better understand the spiritual, ethical and social teachings of faith traditions. At their core what do do Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Baha’i, and indigenous peoples share in common? Can shared visions and working together overcome religious divisiveness, and become a major positive source for building a nonviolent, sustainable planetary future?

PSY 478: Applications in Psychology: Peace Leadership and Facilitation Training (3cr)

Prof. Paul Bueno de Mesquita

Wednesdays 4:00PM – 6:45PM, Multicultural Center 203
This topical applications course is an applied hands-on learning experience that examines peace leadership and nonviolence strategy through a series of workshop modules. with a focus on the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and through the lense of psychological and social science research. Students explore models of social change, types and levels of conflict, historical and contemporary research examples of nonviolent peace movements, as well as the principles and practical steps of nonviolence. This course is a semester equivalent of the URI Center’s Level I Kingian Nonviolence Trainer certification course, offered annually at our International Nonviolence Summer Institute. Interested students, may elect to complete additional requirements training them to facilitate 2-day workshops in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation as a certified nonviolence training affiliate of the Center.

PSY 489: Problems in Psychology: Independent Study (3cr)
Prof. Paul Bueno de Mesquita
Independent study on a focused topic related to nonviolence and peace studies. Credits may be earned through scholarly or empirical research. Small scale social action research and program evaluation projects are typically completed in collaboration with and under faculty supervision.

PSY 489-0006: Problems in Psychology (Independent Study), 3 credits.

Prof. Charles Collyer

Time TBA, Chafee 312.

Undergraduate students may contact me to discuss independent study in nonviolence theory and practice, civil rights history, nonviolent social change movements, and related topics. Registration is by permission number.

PSY 499/PSY 670: Psychology Practicum: Violence Prevention in the Schools (1-3cr)
Prof. Paul Bueno de Mesquita
Applied field experience through off-campus practicum placements and/or internships focusing on the delivery of primary prevention programs in school-based settings. For undergraduate (PSY 489) and graduate (PSY 670) students.

PSY 692-0006: Directed Readings & Research Problems (Independent Study), 3 credits.

Prof. Charles Collyer

Time TBA, Chafee 312. Graduate students may contact me to discuss independent study in psychological research related to nonviolence and peace studies. Registration is by permission number.

Summer 2012 Nonviolence Courses

Summer Term I (May 22- June 21)

HPR 319: Meditation, Mindfulness and Peacebuilding Within Ourselves and in the World

Professor Art Stein

TTh 5:30PM-9:00PM, Location TBA

(3 cr.) Course # 2050. More people today than ever before are recognizing the value of meditation to deepen self-understanding, and to find practical ways to deal with the stresses of everyday living. In this course we will explore and experience a variety of mindfulness, meditation, and other contemplative practices, East and West, which relate to integrating the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of being human. Our focus will be to identify resources for “inner peacebuilding”, balancing intellectual understanding with experiential “hands-on” learning, and to examine how inner awareness relates to the challenges of building a more just, nonviolent, and sustainable world.

Assignments will include a variety of readings and reflective writing and classes will feature lively discussions, audio-visuals, yoga (hartha, inner light), movement (chi gung), experiences with guest meditation teachers, several off-campus activities, etc. Overall, we will do our best to create an enjoyable, active learning atmosphere in which each person’s participation, sharing of experiences, and viewpoints will be most welcomed.

A GPA of 3.2 or permission of the course instructor is requires. For further info, contact artstein36@gmail.com or phone (401) 783-0662.

PSY 489: Problems in Psychology: Independent Study (3cr)
Professor Paul Bueno de Mesquita
Independent study on a focused topic related to nonviolence and peace studies. Credits may be earned through scholarly or empirical research. Small scale social action research and program evaluation projects are typically completed under the supervision. Registration requires permission by the instructor.

PSY 499: Psychology Practicum (1-3cr)
Professor Paul Bueno de Mesquita
Applied training experience through the Center’s International Nonviolence Summer Institute.

Spring 2012 Nonviolence Courses

HPR 200: Nonviolence & Peace Studies Colloquium
Professor Charles Collyer

M 7:00PM – 8:50PM, Cntr for Biotec & Life Sci 152
(1 cr.) A series of speakers introduce a range of issues in nonviolence and peace studies.

PHL 217: Social Philosophy

Staff

TTh 9:30AM – 10:45AM, Swan Hall Room 215

A systematic introduction to the philosophical problems of contemporary social relations: models of community, sources of alienation, property and ownership, the meaning of work and technology, human rights and freedom.

HPR 307: Tibetan Buddhism Journey to Nirvana

Thupten Tendhar

M
4:00PM – 6:45PM, Lippitt Hall 403

The purpose of this course is to invite students
on an exploratory journey to the basics of Buddhist history, culture,
philosophy, psychology, ethics and logic in the part of the world known as
Tibet. Students will acquire a the deeper understanding of
Buddhist worldview. The course will examine
the origins of Buddhism, the chronology of its introduction into Tibet, and
important figures and events in its development over the past 1500 years.
It will explore fundamental Buddhist teachings and
practices for achieving states of
well-being, meditation, enlightenment and nirvana. Specific attention will be
given to how Buddhist forms of compassion, meditation and wisdom traditions can
contribute to peace and happiness in a chaotic and politically conflicted
world.

PSY 425: Peace Psychology

Professor Pamela Zappardino

Online Course

Peace psychology combines aspects of cognitive, social, clinical and cross-cultural psychology that bear on the prevention of violence and the promotion of constructive nonviolent behavior.

PSY 478: Peace Training, Leadership, and Facilitation

Professor Paul Bueno de Mesquita

W 4:00PM – 6:45PM, Multi-Cultural Center 005
Applications in Psychology. This hands-on course examines the nonviolent strategy and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through the lense of psychological research in a series of workshop modules. It prepares interested students, who opt to complete the course for certification, to co-lead a 2-day workshop in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation. Students will explore models of social change, types and levels of conflict, historical and contemporary examples of nonviolent peace movements, as well as the principles and steps of Kingian Nonviolence. This course is a version of our Level I Kingian Nonviolence Training, offered annually at our International Nonviolence Summer Institute.

PSY 499/PSY 670: Psychology Practicum: Violence Prevention in the Schools
Professor Paul Bueno de Mesquita
Applied field experience through off-campus practicum placements and/or internships focusing on the delivery of primary prevention programs in school-based settings. For undergraduate (PSY 489) and graduate (PSY 670) students.

Fall 2011 Nonviolence Courses

HPR 110: Psychology of Violence & Nonviolence
Professor Charles Collyer
Introductory Honors Seminar in Social Sciences

CSV 301: Stress Reduction for a Healthier Life (An “inner peace” Course)
Dr. Celina A. Pereira
Sheila G. Mitchell, R.N, B.S.N.
This course responds to the health and wellness needs of our students and community. The presenters will synthezise research articles on stress and the self and teach you proven stress reduction techniques and concepts.

HPR 319: Wisdom Traditions of the World’s Religions and Cultures: East and West
Professor Art Stein
In exploring the wisdom and traditions of the world’s peoples, we will focus on their role in the lives of individuals, communities and societies. In doing so, we will seek to distill the essence and better understand the spiritual, ethical and social teachings of faith traditions. At their core what do do Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Baha’i, and indigenous peoples share in common? Can shared visions and working together overcome religious divisiveness, and become a major positive source for building a nonviolent, sustainable planetary future?

PSY 425: Peace Psychology
Pamela Zappardino
Peace psychology combines aspects of cognitive, social, clinical and cross-cultural psychology that bear on the prevention of violence and the promotion of constructive nonviolent behavior. Pre: Prior coursework in psychology, or permission of instructor. Prior coursework in another social science is recommended.

PSY 478: Psychological Approaches to Stress Reduction and Wellness
Clare Satori
Stress is the leading cause of medical and psychological difficulties in our society today. This couse examines the conditions that lead to stress and its antidote, human wellbeing. In the class, students will focus on the role of stress in interpersonal and global violence and how to alleviate it by drawing upon theories and practices of nonviolence.

PSY 499/PSY 670: Violence Prevention in the Schools (Psychology Practicum)
Professor Paul Bueno de Mesquita
Applied field experience through off-campus practicum placements and/or internships focusing on the delivery of primary prevention programs in school-based settings. For undergraduate (PSY 489) and graduate (PSY 670) students.