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Preparing for Peace

The website of the Westmorland General Meeting 'Preparing for Peace' initiative

The Education Programme

SCHEME OF WORK 3

WHY ARE PEOPLE WILLING TO GO TO WAR?

 About the Unit.  In this Unit, students are encouraged to think about the nature of aggression and aggressive behaviour and how that contributes to war. Through an analysis of a lecture given by Robert Hinde from St John's College, Cambridge students are encouraged to discuss and develop their understanding of the institutions of war and the alternatives. The unit takes a serious look at 'pro-social' and 'anti-social' behaviour and looks at the ways in which we can alter behaviour patterns.

 Age-range. Years 15 - 18

 Where the Unit fits in. This Unit addresses the following aspects of the programmes of Study for Citizenship at Key Stage 4 and post-16 programmes.

 KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

·        Of the ways in which aggression and aggressive behaviour can impact upon our lives and is goal orientated.

·        Of the distribution of world resources and the reasons why people are prepared to go to war.

·        Of the language and institution of war and the major recent international wars.

·        Of the institutions preparing for peace

DEVELOPING SKILLS OF ENQUIRY AND COMMUNICATION

·        To research appropriate topics adequately and present information.

·        To analyse information thoroughly and use a variety of sources to explore and explain certain views.

·        To present information formally using presentation skills.

·        To identify the ways in which language operates and can clarify or cloud issues.

 DEVELOPING SKILLS OF PARTICIPATION AND RESPONSIBILITY

·        To identify the ways in which groups operate and to be able to identify some of your own tendencies within group dynamics.

·        To identify the roles occupied within war and to look at the roles and responsibilities within preparing for peace.

·        To develop and articulate an opinion concerning the issues raised and to promote the idea of both a personal and group action plan.

 Books and Resources; Internet sites; Teacher Resources

 Session 1 Why are people willing to go to war?       Session 2 Violence amongst individuals         Session 3 The institution of war

 Session 4 A new goal- preparing for peace