Chapter 9: Education of Peacemakers: Raising College Students’ Awareness of and Respect for the “Other”

In light of historic and recent events of mass violence, including genocide, school shootings, and bullying, educators should look for ways to cultivate a culture of peace and respect rather than a culture of violence, particularly against the “Other.” Two college professors, one from a public community college and one from a private four-year college, describe the various approaches they take to teaching a world religions course in these two institutions. One focuses on the impact of language and the second focuses on experiential encounters as ways of promoting increased and respectful understanding of the Other in today’s college students.