The students gains insights into concrete examples of peace-building and contribute a questioning study on the work of a selected individual.

In this module we study different approaches to peace through the examples of specific individuals who have earned recognition for their actions in the cause of peace. The lectures will introduce a selection of individuals, the conflict situations they faced, and their coping with the conflict by peaceful means. These personalities will include some acclaimed peacebuilders, e.g., Aung San Suu Kyi and Mohandas Gandhi, Mikhail Gorbachev and Willy Brandt, Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks. Special attention will be paid to the peacebuilders’ own explanations of their motivations, actions and objectives, and the – potentially different – international perception of their work in hindsight.

Furthermore, each student will present a research paper on a chosen individual and thereby contribute one approach to the complex topic of peacebuilding. The sources used for the research paper should ideally include original writings and speeches by the selected peacebuilder.

Max 24 students
Priority is given for degree students in Master's programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research (1st and 2nd year students in order of enrolment and then students from collaboration University Åbo Academy).
If places are available, students outside the programme are selected in the following order:
- UTA degree students from other programmes
- UTA exchange and visiting students
Prerequisites:
- Master level students who have a very good academic English and good background knowledge in the field of study.

Evaluation will be based on the student’s research paper, research presentation, and classroom participation.

Reading list will be announced at the beginning of the course.