Todd Laufenberg

How did you become interested in peace studies?

I became interested in human rights and peace studies when my colleague, Professor Ellen Lindeen, began developing these courses for Waubonsee. I followed her progress and sat in on one of her classes before she retired. I then asked if I could take over these two classes and I began seeking the Master's degree in human rights. 

Why should someone consider this field?

I think human rights and peace studies are relevant to people's lives, even if they aren't going into international relations or working for some non-governmental organization. Many students are interested in seeing where their rights are being upheld and where they are being violated. Peace studies is about global issues as well as interpersonal ones, and I think everyone should learn how to better manage conflict in their own lives, as well as how groups and communities manage conflict within themselves and with other groups. 

How would you describe your teaching style and what can students expect in class with you?

I try to be myself, but also project my interest and care about these subjects. I try to inform but also elicit their ideas about how the world should work and how they solve their own problems. I provide assignments that teach multiple perspectives, even as I promote the idea that human rights and peace studies are important fields for helping people acheive their best in their own lives. IDS210 Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution and IDS220 Human Rights and Social Justice both satisfy an elective requirement for the associate degree.

What is the significance of the Peace Pole, and how long has it been at Waubonsee?

The Peace Pole was planted in 2011 on Arbor Day. Ellen Lindeen spearheaded the effort and the college supported the installation. Peace Poles have been installed in hundreds of thousands of locations around the world, in places as diverse as Mt. Everest, Hiroshima Peace Park, and even the Pentagon. They are a concrete embodiment of the importance that all people agree on: peace is a positive human value that we should all work toward. 

Do you have a favorite song, movie, or book about peace?

Read and Riot by Nadya Tolokonnikova and "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley

Your best advice on keeping the peace?

Peace starts from within. People need to be trained to see value in community, eliminate their prejudices, and build their empathy for others. But all of that is internal first.