Extending The Topic

After using His Dark Materials to explore different types of conflict and methods of resolution, it is important for students to be able to apply the learning to real life situations. This could be realised in a number of ways e.g. through discussing a conflict that is in the national news or by examining a conflict that is current in the local community. The series of questions in the activity below will help to focus the enquiries.

Bring in newspapers for the students, or have some cuttings prepared. Ask students, in groups, to focus on a story that seems to be centred around a type sort of conflict. Ask the groups to consider the following questions:

1. Who is the conflict between?

e.g. two individuals

two countries

government against the opposition

an individual against a council

2. Briefly describe what the conflict is about?

3. Is there a conflict of values/beliefs at the root of the issue?

e.g. one person valuing peace and quiet - the other valuing loud music

Two countries both believing they own the same piece of land

4. What methods could be used to resolve this conflict fairly?

eg. Communication, mediation, litigation (using the law), legislation (creating new laws).

5. What do you think would be a fair resolution and why?

As an extension activity, students could act out the resolution or mediation of the dispute.