Peace Studies
Director Katharine L. Gray Brown
Peace studies explores the nonviolent alternatives to conflict, whether in our personal lives or international relations. This interdivisional major and minor consist of courses drawn from a number of disciplines that relate to the analysis and transformation of conflict. Formal concentrations within the major are: interpersonal and intergroup conflict studies, religious and philosophical bases, international and global studies, and social inequality studies. Students may also choose to design an individualized concentration within the major.
Baccalaureate Degree
Courses listed in parentheses are prerequisites.
Major in peace studies: core courses (30 hours): PEAC 110, 218 or 320, 235, 330; INTD 425; PHIL 444; POSC 140; REL 205; (SOC 101) SOC 328.
Concentration in international and global studies, 42 hours: core courses plus POSC 367; one course selected from: POSC 233, 236, 360; one course selected from: HIST 210, 220, 226; POSC 237; SOC 311; one course selected from: ECON 328, INTD 441, POSC 365.
Concentration in Interpersonal/intergroup conflict, 45 hours: core courses plus COMM 210, 212; *PEAC 218, 320; SOC 228; one course selected from: COMM 324; PSYC 201, 352; SOSC 102. *both PEAC 218 and 320 are required.
Concentration in religious and philosophical bases, 42 hours: core courses plus PHIL 201; POSC 321 or 322; PHIL 330 or SOC 347; one course selected from: REL 131, 210, 222, 223, 228.
Concentration in social inequality studies, 42 hours: core courses plus one course selected from: ECON 328; INTD 441; POSC 365; SOC 345; one course selected from: ENG 242; HIST 227, 250; INTD 361; SOC 228; one course selected from: GNST 125; INTD 324; HIST 337, 329; REL 225; one course selected from: POSC 201, 225; SOC 220, 233; SOWK 110.
Individualized concentration, 45 hours: core courses plus 15 hours of electives designed by the student, and submitted with rationale for approval by the Peace Studies Council.
Majors must successfully complete the senior comprehensive evaluation. Details are available from the chair of the Peace Studies Council.
Minor in peace studies, 18 hours: PEAC 110; 15 hours of electives approved by the Peace Studies Council.
Certificate in mediation and conflict resolution; Katharine Gray Brown, coordinator: PEAC 218, PEAC 320; one of the following; 6-10 hours of community mediation work; workshop planning and facilitation; semester-long internship with an appropriate conflict resolution organization or agency.
PEAC Courses
110 INTRODUCTION TO PEACE STUDIES - 3 hours
An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of peace studies. This course explores the causes and effects of violence and conflict, and examines the possibilities for the nonviolent transformation of interpersonal, intergroup and international conflict. C-3RC.
120 CURRENT ISSUES IN PEACE AND JUSTICE - 2 hours
Study and application of conflict theory to current problems of peace and justice. The topics and materials for this course will change each term and the course, therefore, may be repeated. A student may enroll twice for credit, thereafter without credit.
218 MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION - 3 hours
Study and practice of the psychological components and skills inherent to mediation and conciliation. Fall. Spring.
235 LITERATURE OF NONVIOLENCE - 3 hours
Study of the lives and writings of modern theorists and practitioners of nonviolence, including Thoreau, Tolstoy, Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Spring, odd years.
250 PEACEMAKING IN PRACTICE ABROAD - 3 hours
An examination of social justice issues, models of peace building, transitional justice, and reconciliation in a context outside the United States. Specific attention is given to the significance of transnational factors in a conflict and the potiential of global
partnerships to address injustice. This study will include a survey of the historical, social and cultural context; principle peacemakers; and examples of collective action to promote justice and reduce violence. Coursework involves a combination of site visits, sessions with practitioners, readings and discussions. This course may involve community service projects. The course is designed as an off-campus travel course conducted outside the United States, and may be repeated to different locations. C-3GC.
275 PRACTICUM IN PEACE STUDIES - 1-6 hours
Student participation in off-campus projects that are related to the major. Students, in consultation with teaching faculty in the program, plan readings, reports and/or other means of evaluation.
320 CONFLICT RESOLUTION - 3 hours
An advanced study of how to deal constructively with interpersonal, intra-organizational, and intergroup conflict.
330 ANALYSIS OF WAR AND PEACE - 3 hours
Analysis of the causes and nature of war, influences that determine the conduct of wars and the impact of wars on participants and civilians. Prerequisite: POSC 140. Spring, even years.
333 PEACE ISSUES - 3 hours
Summary study of moral, political and religious perspectives on such problems as violent and nonviolent social and political change, racial justice, human rights, the population explosion, militarism and pacifism. Historical analysis and philosophical insight on major problems which threaten peace and the development of civilization.
475 INTERNSHIP IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES - 3-9 hours
Work performed in service for a public or private organization concerned with peace and/or justice issues. Open to junior and senior students who demonstrate academic and personal qualifications appropriate to the position. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
380 or 480 SPECIAL PROBLEMS - 1-4 hours
A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course and pursue it with a qualified and willing professor. The department chair and the vice president and dean for academic affairs also must approve. A set of guidelines is available at the Office of the Registrar.
385 or 485 SEMINAR IN PEACE STUDIES - 1-4 hours
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or issue. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and exchange results through reports and discussions.