Nonviolent Action: Micro-Course
This micro-course explores the history and dynamics of nonviolent movements. It presents the categories of specific methods of nonviolent action and some of the key theories that inform civil resistance strategies and campaigns.
Course Overview
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the importance of nonviolent action;
- Define nonviolent civil resistance and how is it distinct from other forms of social and political action; and
- Identify the principles and theories of power inform the practice of nonviolent action.
Agenda
Section 1 - Introduction to Nonviolent Action
Meet the course presenters and get a broad overview of what nonviolent action is and why it is important.
Section 2 - Definitions and Historical Context
Explains what nonviolent civil resistance is and how it differs from other forms of social and political action.
Section 3 - Stories from the Field
Examines how different campaigns and movements have waged nonviolent action and what accounts for their achievements and challenges.
Section 4 - Theory and Practice
Examines how power informs how nonviolent action is utilized and identifies principles and steps that should be kept in mind when practicing nonviolent action methods.
Section 5 - Quiz
Assesses your understanding and retention of key terms, concepts, and ideas presented in this course.
Section 6 - Scenario
Allows you to apply the knowledge you've gained throughout the course to a fictional conflict scenario.
Section 7 - Reflections
Allows you to share what you have learned and read what others have learned from this course and how these skills and knowledge will impact the work we do.
Featured Scenario: Protests in Quisada
The students declared a non-violent movement, and began by protesting in front of government buildings and a month later also started staging sit-ins in the midst of critical city intersections. This nonviolent movement is in danger of fading away without achieving its goals. Utilizing the knowledge gained throughout this course, you will determine how to best address this situation. In this course we present a scenario in which you can apply the theories and concepts covered in this course to a fictional situation. A scenario is comprised of situation examples and you are asked to determine the best solution to each situation.
Instructors and Guest Experts
Instructors
- Maria Stephan, Director, United States Institute of Peace
- Daryn Cambridge, Professional Development Portfolio Manager (EPIC), Training Resources Group, Inc.
- Althea Middleton-Detzner, Director, PeaceTech Labs
Guest Experts
- John Lewis, U.S. Congressman, Georgia
- Erica Chenoweth, Associate Professor, Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver
