James Brown- Ph.D, Professor, Instructional Faculty, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Department of Peace Studies
FFC 100A-03 (M W, 1pm-2:15pm)
FFC 100A-04 (M W, 2:30pm-3:45pm)
“Who are you and what will you fight for?” Noble Peace Laureate Nadia Murad asks us to examine our humanity and then act to make the world more humane. Too often, some humans choose violence and commit atrocities and other forms of injustice, and in response, most people remain passive and complicit bystanders. But we also have the potential for courage and resilience if at crucible moments we carefully consider our beliefs and how they are linked to our readiness and willingness to act. In this FFC, we read accounts, view documentaries, and talk face-to-face with the people who have been survivors and rescuers and made courageous choices in response to atrocities. As students study the lessons of “difficult” histories, reflect on their identity, and consider postmodern perspectives and critical alternatives to the dominant narratives that perpetuate violence and inaction, they learn to make the essential connections between historical decisions and the moral choices they confront in their own lives.