Course 113: Nonviolence:
An Alternative Pathway in a Contentious World

Leaders: Doug Sturm and Gene Chenoweth

Description: Our intent in this course is to explore-through open discussion-the meaning, practice, and viability of nonviolence as a way of life and attendant strategies within the context of diverse, often hostile, struggles among classes, ethnic groups, nationalities and states during our time.

Following (i) an introductory session, we shall focus on key proponents of the nonviolent tradition during five historical struggles and movements. (ii) First, Mohandas K. Gandhi in the struggle against British colonialism in India. (iii) Second, Dorothy Day against the impoverishing impact of corporate capitalism in the US. (iv) Martin Luther King, Jr. against institutionalized racism, economic inequality and militarism in America & abroad. (v) Various contemporary feminists against the persistence of patriarchalism and misogyny. (vi) Finally, A.J. Muste against the employment of military violence to quash conflicts, redress injustices, or counter aggressive hostilities domestic and global.

Biographies: Both Doug Sturm and Gene Chenoweth taught at Bucknell for several decades. Gene was in the political science department. Doug was in both political science and religion. Both were active with and taught in interdisciplinary programs, including Residential Colleges and Peace Studies.

Materials for Course: We shall supply photocopies of materials (in the public domain) for our discussions (including selected articles collected by Colman McCarthy for his "Class on Nonviolence" available on the internet at www.salsa.net/peace/conv). Prior to our initial session we shall mail you readings for that session together with syllabus for the whole course.

Number of Participants: Minimum: 6; Maximum: 15

Location: RidgeCrest at RiverWoods - Creative Arts Room

Meeting Time: Tuesdays, February 26 through April 2, 3 - 4:30 p.m.