Advanced Seminar in Development and Conflict (DHP P225)
FLETCHER SCHOOL

NOT OFFERED 2012/2013
Instructors:
Diana Chigas ^[1]
617-627-3329
Rob Wilkinson
617-627-3329

This course will examine the emerging field of cultural conflict analysis and conflict resolution, and will critically evaluate its usefulness in confronting contemporary global political and humanitarian challenges. One of the most baffling challenges to contemporary efforts at international cooperation in a broad range of pursuits is the profound diversity of human cultural expressions. This cultural diversity is often ignored in the hopes that compelling globalizing trends in economics, politics, and culture will simply overwhelm these “inconvenient” regional and ethnic peculiarities. But these “peculiarities” are often at the heart of numerous conflicts, sometimes very deadly conflicts. Systematic attempts to understand the relationship of cultural difference, conflict, and methods of peacemaking, are a recent analytic undertaking, and they raise fundamental questions about prevailing methods of globalization and international diplomacy. Simulations will be utilized. (Fridays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)