Dr. Ici Vanwesenbeeck
Associate Professor Ici Vanwesenbeeck of the Department of English was invited to participate in a certificate program course, Peace Literacy 1 Aggression: Its Causes, Anatomy and Alternatives, organized by the Peace Literacy Institute and the Professional Development for Educators program at Oregon State University. The five-week, online course provides professional development credits.
The Peace Literacy Institute was created to help students and adults from all backgrounds work toward their full potential and a more peaceful world. It treats peace not just as a goal, but also as a set of skills that requires education, practice and training. More information on the Peace Literature Institute is available on its website:
Dr. Vanwesenbeeck served as a guest/educator who incorporates peace making and conflict resolution in her pedagogy.
“My approach to teaching world literature here and elsewhere is also entwined with the principles of peacemaking,” explained Vanwesenbeeck, who has proposed a Study Abroad course, “Global Citizenship: Peace and Policy-Making in Iceland,” that she has designed as a Fredonia Foundations course.
In March, Vanwesenbeeck organized and chaired a conference panel, “Peace Making and Conflict Resolution through Teaching Literature,” for the Northeast Modern Language Association. “So, it's a subject I care deeply about, study, and try to incorporate to my teaching in general,” Vanwesenbeeck said.