Are We Born Hardwired for War? Mini Curriculum (EN)

This downloadable introductory curriculum invites young people to explore a thought-provoking question: Is conflict and war an inherent part of human nature? Through engaging lessons and interactive discussions, this curriculum helps students reflect on their own war-like feelings and challenges them to question whether conflict is truly ingrained in our DNA.

Why This Curriculum Matters: In a world where conflict often feels unavoidable, it’s important to understand the roots of aggression and whether it’s something we’re born with or shaped by external influences. This curriculum provides young learners with a platform to examine their emotions surrounding conflict, aggression, and peace which encourages them to think critically about the causes of war—both within themselves and in the broader world.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Explore the Nature of Conflict: Students will examine the origins of conflict, looking at both biological and social factors. Are we biologically predisposed to aggression or is it something we learn from our environment?
• Understanding War-Like Feelings: The curriculum guides students to reflect on their own emotions related to conflict which helps them understand where those feelings come from and how to manage them peacefully.
• Challenge Assumptions About Human Nature: Students will be encouraged to question the common belief that humans are hardwired for war which fosters a deeper understanding of peace and conflict resolution.
• Global Perspective on Peace: Inspired by discussions presented at the International Conference of Museums of Peace in South Korea, this curriculum introduces students to global peace initiatives and encourages them to consider their role in promoting peace.

Engaging and Interactive Content:

• Real-Life Scenarios and Case Studies: Students will explore real-world examples of conflict and peace-building efforts which helps them connect the material to current global events and their own experiences.
• Discussion Prompts and Reflective Exercises: The curriculum includes thought-provoking questions that encourage students to analyze their own feelings about aggression, competition, and cooperation.
• Interactive Activities: Through role-playing exercises and group discussions, students will practice strategies for resolving conflict and finding common ground and develop skills that can be applied in their daily lives.

A Resource for Educators, Parents, and Counselors: This introductory curriculum is ideal for educators, parents, and counselors who want to guide young people through an exploration of human nature and conflict. It offers structured lessons that promote critical thinking, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of peace. It’s suitable for classroom use, home learning, or group settings.

Key Features:

• Age-Appropriate Content: Tailored for young learners, this curriculum uses simple, relatable language and activities to help students grasp complex ideas about conflict and human nature.
• Downloadable and Flexible: Available as a downloadable PDF, this curriculum is easy to use and adaptable to a variety of educational settings, from classrooms to informal learning environments.
• Introductory and Thought-Provoking: As an introductory curriculum, it’s designed to spark curiosity and engage students in meaningful discussions about the roots of conflict and the possibility of peace.

Empower Students to Think Critically About Conflict: By exploring whether conflict is an inevitable part of human life, this curriculum empowers students to think critically about their own feelings and actions. It encourages them to challenge assumptions and envision a world where peace is possible.

Help Young People Become Advocates for Peace: Download this curriculum today and help students explore the fascinating question of whether we are born hardwired for war. Guide them on a journey to understand conflict and their own capacity for peaceful resolution. With this resource, you’ll inspire the next generation of thoughtful, empathetic leaders.