Are We Born Hardwired for War? Curriculum (EN, ES & RU)

Are We Hardwired for War? Exploring Conflict in Human Nature

This downloadable curriculum is designed to help young people explore the intriguing question: Is conflict an inevitable part of being human? Through engaging lessons and activities, students will delve into the origins of their own war-like feelings and question whether aggression and conflict are hardwired into our DNA or if they are shaped by external factors.

Why This Curriculum Is Important: In a world that often seems filled with conflict, understanding its roots is essential. This curriculum encourages students to reflect on their personal feelings about conflict and aggression while challenging the notion that war is an inescapable part of human nature. It fosters critical thinking and self-awareness which helps students grasp the deeper aspects of peace and conflict resolution.

What Students Will Learn:

• The Origins of Conflict: Students will examine whether aggression is a natural human instinct or a learned behavior influenced by society and culture.
• Understanding Personal Feelings of Conflict: The curriculum offers opportunities for students to reflect on their own war-like feeling which helps them to identify and manage these emotions in a peaceful way.
• Questioning Assumptions About War: Encourages students to critically analyze the belief that humans are born predisposed to conflict which sparks discussions on whether peace is achievable.
• Insights from Global Peace Initiatives: Drawing inspiration from the presentation Is War in Our DNA? given at the International Conference of Museums of Peace in South Korea, students will learn about global perspectives on conflict and peace.

Engaging Content and Activities:

• Interactive Scenarios: The curriculum includes real-life case studies and scenarios that prompt students to consider both historical and contemporary examples of conflict and peace-building.
• Discussion Questions and Reflection: Thought-provoking questions guide students through self-reflection on their views about human nature, conflict, and their role in fostering peace.
• Role-Playing and Problem-Solving: Through engaging role-playing activities, students will practice non-violent conflict resolution and develop skills for managing their own war-like feelings.

Perfect for Educators, Parents, and Counselors: This curriculum is an ideal resource for educators, parents, and counselors seeking to introduce students to the concepts of conflict, human nature, and peace. It provides structured lessons that can be easily integrated into classroom instruction, homeschooling, or group settings, encouraging thoughtful discussions and self-reflection.

Key Features:

• Age-Appropriate Content: Designed for young learners, the curriculum uses clear and accessible language to discuss complex ideas about conflict and human behavior.
• Flexible and Downloadable: Available as a downloadable PDF, this curriculum can be used in various educational environments and adapted to suit individual or group learning needs.
• Introductory and Thought-Provoking: As an introduction to the deeper questions about conflict and peace, the curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and meaningful conversations among students.

Encourage Critical Thinking About Conflict and Peace: This curriculum empowers students to think critically about the nature of conflict which challenges them to reflect on their own feelings and explore whether aggression is truly a part of human nature. It encourages them to imagine a world where peace is not only possible but within their reach.

Guide Young People on a Journey Toward Peace: Download this curriculum today and help students explore the profound question of whether we are hardwired for war. Through thoughtful lessons and activities, students will gain the tools to better understand conflict and contribute to a more peaceful world.