Instructor: Will J. Friesen
Office: MCD 207
Phone: 453-2076
e-mail: wfriesen@fresno.edu
Office Hours: T & Th 8:30-9:30, 1:00-3:00; F 10:00-12:00
Course Description
Biblical, theological, and ethical teachings on conflict and peacemaking have been interpreted in different ways throughout the
history of the Christian church and contemporary culture. This course will focus specifically on the relationship between conflict,
peacemaking, and power as experienced and interpreted in the Bible, the church, and in society.
Course Texts
There are four required textbooks available for purchase in the Bookshop:
Haillie, Philip. Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed. New York: Harper & Row, 1979.
Huber, Wolfgang. Violence: The Unrelenting Assault on Human Dignity. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996.
Wink, Walter. Engaging the Powers. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1992.
Yoder, John H. What Would You Do? Scottdale: Herald, 1983.
Additional readings for the course will be available in class or on two hour reserve in the Hiebert Library. The course schedule will
provide students with the required reading schedule for each class session.
Course Requirements
A. Class Attendance and Participation (5%)
It is imperative that students are punctual and attend class regularly. In addition, habitual unpreparedness for class
discussion will also be considered in the final grade assessment.
B. Tutorials (20%; 4 X 5%)
There will be four tutorial sessions based on five assigned readings (see course outline for dates and readings). Each student must come to class prepared with a one page single-spaced typed paper which includes:
1) a brief summary of the article's main thesis;
2) a brief description of how the thesis is argued;
3) and two critical questions for the purpose of class discussion.
Only students who come prepared with their papers will be permitted to participate and be graded on the tutorial. Papers
must be submitted at the end of each tutorial session for grading. Late papers will not be accepted for grading.
D. Papers (35%)
1. Short Paper for Section I (5%)
In the first short paper (2-3 pages double spaced) analyze the first four chapters of Wink. In the paper, answer the following two questions, what does Wink mean by the myth of redemptive violence? Second, what does Wink mean when he uses the term "domination system?" Incorporate several examples in each section of your answer from your experiences or from the reading.
DUE: in class on January 23
2. Reading Journal for Section II (10%)
Each student is expected to keep a reading journal throughout their reading of Hallie's book. The journal should include personal as well as analytical reflections. Answer the following question; how does the story of Le Chambon provide clues for coming to grips with peacemaking in my life? Along the way, incorporate how Wink and other readings shed insight and understanding on some of the theological and ethical issues raised in the book.
DUE: in class on March 18
3. Group Paper and Presentation for Section III (20%)
This group (3 or 4 students) paper (8-10 pages double spaced) and presentation should address a current conflict. Topic ideas will be suggested several times during the course of the semester. Please incorporate Wink and other course readings into the paper, and at least three additional sources through library or internet research. The paper must respond to the power and domination issues involved in the conflict, and how the conflict could be resolved using the methods and strategies articulated by Wink or other readings. A schedule for presentations will be determined in the first couple of weeks of the semester.
DUE: following each group presentation
General Paper Instructions
All sources must be footnoted using a recognized format, including course readings, and a bibliography must also be
attached at the end of the paper. All students will be expected to share their papers in class or in their tutorial groups.
Gender inclusive language is expected on all written assignments.
E. Exams (35%)
There will be three exams over the course of the semester, providing students an opportunity to integrate course lectures and readings.
Exam I & II - 10%
Final Exam - 15% (during final exam week)
F. Service Project (5%)
Each student is expected to participate in one service project (2-3 hours). The intention of this assignment is to break into the cycle of violence in the world around us through participating in feeding the hungry, helping with boys and girls clubs, protesting an injustice, etc. The short two page paper should reflect how the experience helped to break into the domination system.
DUE: April 24
Grading Structure
Grading will be based on the following scale:
A - 90-100%
B - 80-89%
C - 70-79%
D - 60-69%
F - 59% or below
Course Outline
Symbols:
(T) Text purchased at the Bookshop
(H) Reading Handed out in Class
(R) Reading on Reserve
Section I
Jan. 7
Topic: Introduction to the Course
Jan. 9
Topic: Redemptive Violence
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 1
Huber, ch. 1
Jan. 14
Tutorial #1
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 2
Jan. 16
Topic: Power and Human Dignity
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 3
Huber, ch. 2
Jan. 21
Topic: Power and Racism
Reading: (H) Cone, "Martin and Malcolm and America"
(T) Huber, ch. 3
Jan. 23
Topic: Redeeming the Powers
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 4
DUE: Section I Paper
Jan. 28
Topic: Power and Evil
Reading: (H) Sections from Danner, "The Truth of El Mozote"
Jan. 30
Topic: The Delusional System of Power
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 5
Huber, introduction
Feb. 4
EXAM I
Section II
Feb. 6
Topic: The Old Testament and Shalom
Reading: (H) Readings from the OT, TBA
Feb. 11
Topic: God's New Order of Freedom
Reading: (H) Readings on the OT, TBA
Feb. 13
Topic: God's New Order of Power
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 6
Feb. 18
Topic: The Spiral of Violence
Reading: (T) Wink, chs. 7 & 8
Feb. 20
Tutorial #2
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 9
Feb. 25
Topic: Who Have We Become?
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 10
Huber, ch. 4
Feb. 27
Tutorial #3
Reading: (T) Huber, ch. 5
Mar. 3-7
Spring Break
Mar. 11
Topic: Who Have We Become?
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 9
Mar. 13
Topic: Guest Speaker
Reading: TBA
Mar. 18
Topic: Reflections on Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed
DUE: Reading Journal
Mar. 20
EXAM II
Section III
Mar. 25
Topic: Early Christian Responses to Conflict and Peacemaking
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 11
Mar. 27
No Class
Apr. 1
Topic: Early Christian Responses to Conflict and Peacemaking
Reading: (T) Wink, chs. 12 & 13
Apr. 3
Topic: Loving Enemies
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 14
Huber, ch. 6
Apr. 8
Tutorial #4
Reading: (T) Yoder, What Would You Do? pp. 13-42
For this tutorial, outline the options Yoder suggests are available when faced with the question,
"What would you do if an intruder attacked your mother?"
April 10
Topic: Spirituality and Non-violence
Reading: (T) Wink, ch. 15 & 16
April 15
Topic: Class Presentations
April 17
Topic: Class Presentations
April 22
Topic: Class Presentations
April 24
Topic: Conclusion
Reading: Wink, ch. 17
Exam III, during final exam week