UNAS 1163 Peaceful Ethics: Social Action Leadership Methods

This course attempts to address the question, how can I become a peaceful and ethical agent of social change? The course will focus on methods we can use individually and collectively in addressing ethical issues and in helping to build and maintain just societies within different types of political-economic environments. We will examine various leadership methods employed by social movements to see ways in which they were effective as well as ways in which those movements failed to be effective. This course will proceed through four interwoven lenses: theological and ethical theoretical frameworks, spiritual activism and contemplative practices, case studies, and application to students personal lives. As such, this course asks: Can we hope for just leaders within our society and institutions? What are the appropriate means for achieving a just society? What are the barriers to peace? How can students become peaceful and ethical leaders in their personal lives, at Boston College, and beyond?