Peace and Conflict Studies at Metta Center

The Peace and Conflict Studies 164 A and B course, conceived and taught by Michael Nagler at UC Berkeley was one of his most popular offerings. In 2007, before retiring from the University for good, he recorded the course in its entirety. Tens of thousands have seen this course, and it is influencing and changing lives. Not to mention, bringing dedicated souls to the Metta Center in the spirit of service.

One could argue that the state of nonviolence in the world has dramatically changed since 2007. (Maybe it’s because so many people have seen PACS?) 🙂

One could also make the case that Professor Nagler has changed since that time–moving on from being a university professor to being a full-time nonviolent strategist and theorist at the Metta Center. It is time to update the course!

Metta will be offering this course, called PACS 164C in Petlauma, California this Fall! Click here to see course outline. 

So what is PACS 164C? 

It is an in-depth study of what M.K. Gandhi called “the greatest power at the disposal of humankind.” The greatest-and arguably, the most neglected. What can we learn from the theory, history and potential of this great force? How can we practice it safely and effectively? These and more are questions we will be looking into. There are no formal pre-requisites for this course except the following: 

• familiarity with The Search for a Nonviolent Future and/or other resources on the Metta Center for Nonviolence’s website
• familiarity with The Nonviolence Handbook
• some acquaintance with the previous version of PACS 164 A and B (see above link)

As Metta grows every day into an alternative learning center for the study of nonviolence, we invite you to join us either virtually (and more passively) via streaming technology or in person (for a small group) for 8 weeks in Petaluma as we offer this course for the first time out of the University and directly into your hands! This is an experiment in decentralized yet focused learning, as well as an exploration of nonviolent power.

Beginning Saturday, August 30 (for 8 Saturdays) from 10 am- 1 pm. Meditation before class and potluck food to share for those coming in person.

The course will be quite condensed so plan to join us for at least 7 of the 8 sessions if you would like to follow the course in person or online.

Changes in course schedule might occur during the course, with notice.

Registration is now closed as the course has already started. If you would like to register, please contact stephanie@mettacenter.org.

and….

While there is no charge for this course (unlike universities),

You can make a donation to support this project at this link.