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| Dr. Cindy Epperson |
Dr. Cindy Epperson, Professor of Sociology at St. Louis Community College – Meramec, has co-chaptered a newly released book, “Peacebuilding in the Community College: A Teaching Resource.” The book is about the role of the community college in global education.
Epperson is an alumnus of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) community college summer institute and has taught peace studies for several years in community colleges. It led to her invitation to contribute to the book.
“Several years ago, I invited David Smith from USIP to visit our campus and talk about child soldiers and work with interested faculty on peace studies courses or modules in existing courses,” she said. “Interest was high and has continued with several learning circles and book circles, the most recent being a book circle on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the fall 2012 semester. David asked me to co-author a chapter with my colleagues at the International Services Division of the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross (Washington D.C.). I am a Teaching Fellow for ISD-ARC. “
Epperson’s chapter, Teaching Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, is a subject close to her heart. In April, 2012, Epperson started Genocide Awareness Month on the Meramec campus, a joint project with Meramec art faculty Tim Linder and Margaret Keller which displayed student work focusing on human rights and humanitarian law. Genocide Awareness Month will again be held in April, this time with Epperson, Linder and communications associate professor Denise Sperruzza.
“The subject matter is emotionally difficult, therefore it creates a perfect learning environment for teaching critical thinking skills, valuing, research, and engaging in interactive learning,” Epperson said.
To purchase “Peacebuilding in the Community College: A Teaching Resource,” visit the United States Institute of Peace website.
David J. Smith Consulting, LLC 