Love and Feminism: An Introduction to Nonviolence
Course Registration Closed on July 22.
Join us for a six-week Zoom course exploring nonviolence through a feminist lens.
In this course we will explore the question: what is nonviolence all about? Often thought of as a powerful means of civil disobedience, resistance against unjust laws and oppressive governments, or as a form of personal communication, in this course we will explore how the term “nonviolence” marks an alternate meaning-making framework. As such, nonviolence is more than merely obstructive methods, but a powerful methodology through which to construct alternative selves, meanings and worlds. We will examine nonviolence and feminism, and deepen our understanding of how these two systems work together.
Course Summary:
The texts and films in this course lay a foundation for understanding key aspects of the framework of nonviolence, so we will look at them quite closely together in order to stimulate group discussions. As such, the assigned weekly readings are needed to facilitate understanding. The aim of this course is not merely to gain knowledge, but to try to understand why a different way of being in the world is the key to creating change. Together, we will try to embody alternate ways of being in order to create alternate kinds of worlds.
At the end of this series of courses participants will take on a project of their choice in consultation with the Metta Center that will allow them to create the change they are aspiring towards. This course will fulfill requirements in our new School of Nonviolence two-year immersive mentorship program.
Participants will:
Join the course with a desire to commit more deeply to nonviolence
Prepare to take action for nonviolence and to present their project or action at the last session
Attend and actively participate in all six live sessions
Time and Dates:
Mondays from July 24th through August 28th from 6 pm until 8 pm PST.
Instructor Bio
Safoora Arbab is an independent scholar and educator. She is a founding faculty member of the School of Nonviolence at the Metta Center for Nonviolence, and she is also a board member of the Center. She obtained her doctoral degree from the Department of Comparative Literature at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is currently working on her book manuscript, “The Ecstasy and Anarchy of Nonviolence: the Khudai Khidmatgar Socio-Politics of Love, Transformation and Decolonization in the North-West Frontier of British India.”
More about her work is at: www.SafooraArbab.org
Safoora can be reached at safoora@mettacenter.org
Participation in this course is free!
We at the Metta Center want our educational resources to be as accessible as possible because we believe that the crucial message of nonviolence needs to be spread to all who are willing to learn. There is no fee to participate in this course; however, we gladly accept donations here. Donations are what enable us to keep providing quality courses, materials, and guidance online for all, so if you would like to support us in fulfilling our mission, please consider giving what you are able. Thank you!
Course Registration Closed on July 22.
Introductory Videos
Introduction to the Framework of Nonviolence
Lens of Feminism
How do you bring about change?
Creating the Future - The New Story
Final Projects + Syllabus
