Psychology of reconciliation and peacebuilding

Pre-requisites: Enrolled PhD

Course objectives: The main objective of the course is to acquaint students with major psychological problems in postconflict peacebuilding process and make them competent for adequately problem analyze in the professional work, to identify problems and stimulating factors, to find quality solutions and with clear explanations suggest them to decision makers and interested individuals and groups.

Course description: The course content will include knowledge of the complexity of the concept of reconciliation and its major elements through the theories of the most important authors. The next section is about reconciliation participants and their psychological problems and dilemmas. Different methods of reconciliation achieving, the possibility of its empirical scientific study will be covered, while the final segment will be dedicated to the prospects for positive solutions.

Learning Outcomes: Gaining knowledge and understanding of the problem in post-conflict societies from the perspective of various psychological theories. Critical examination and identification of basic problems that hinder the progress of societies and the ability to propose adequate measures of overcoming.

Literature/Reading:

• Petrović, N. (2005). Psihološke osnove pomirenja između Srba, Hrvata i Bošnjaka. Beograd: Institut za psihologiju i Dokumentacioni centar «Ratovi 1991-1999»
• Abu-Nimer, M. (2001).(Ed.) Reconciliation, Justice, and Coexistence. Theory and Practice. London: Lexington Books
• Bar-Tal, D. (2000.) From Intractable Conflict Through Conflict Resolution to Reconciliation: Psychological Analysis. Political Psychology, Vol. 21, No 2, pp.351-366
• Bloomfield, D., T. Barnes & L. Huyse (2003.) Reconciliation After Violent Conflict. A Handbook. Stockholm: International Idea
• Bar-Siman-Tov, Y (2003). (Ed.) From Conflict Resolution to Reconciliation. Oxford University Press
• Prager, C. & T. Govier (2003). (Eds.) Dilemmas of Reconciliation. Cases and Concepts. Wilfrid Laurier University Press
• Christie, D. J.; R, V. Wagner & D.D. Winter (2001). (Eds.) Peace, Conflict, and Violence. Peace Psychology for the 21st Century. Prentice Hall, New Jersey
• Cohen, S. (2001.) States of Denial. Knowing about Atrocities and Suffering. Polity Press
• Minow, M. (1998.): Between Vengeance and Forgiveness. Facing History after Genocide and Mass Violence. Beacon Press, Boston
• Salomon, G. & B. Nevo (2002). (Eds.) Peace Education: The Concept, Principles, and Practices Around the World. Lawrence Earlbaum Associates, Mahwah
• Lederach J. P. (1997.) Building Peace. Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies. United States Institute of Peace Press, Washington, D.C.
• Lederach J. P. (1997.) Building Peace. Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies. United States
• Long, W. J. and P. Brecke (2003.) War and Reconciliation. Reason and Emotion in Conflict Resolution. MIT Press, Cambridge & London
• Helmick, R. G. and R. Petersen (Eds.) Forgiveness and Reconciliation. Religion, Public Policy, and Conflict Transformation. Templeton Foundation Press, Philadelphia and London