Peace and Conflict Studies, BA

The interdisciplinary Peace and Conflict Studies Program seeks to promote a critical understanding of the nature and dynamics of violent conflict and the conditions and practice of peace from the local to the global levels. The program defines violence broadly to include structural, political, economic, cultural and environmental injustice as well as human rights violations and physical harm. It provides a structured program of study for students to better understand the causes of violence and to develop the skills necessary to build peace through everyday practices, nonviolent direct action, activism, conflict resolution, diplomacy, and policy change. Peace and Conflict Studies alumni have pursued careers in policy analysis, government, non-governmental organizations, journalism, teaching, law and business.

Major Overview

The major consists of 36 course credit hours, including 15 credits that meet specific requirements, 6 internship or service learning credits, and 15 elective credits.

Required Courses/Experiences

The following courses are required.

PO 102 - Introduction to Peace Studies Min Units: 3 Credits / Units: 3
SW 240-PO - Gender and Generations: War and Peace Min Units: 3
A theory or methods class such as PO 201 - Research and Analysis Min Units: 3 (consult with PACS advisor)
PO 220 - Community Mediation Min Units: 3
An internship or service learning experience
PACS 403 - Internship Min Units: 3 (twice) or
PACS 406 - Internship Min Units: 6
PO 322 - International Conflict and Peace Building Min Units: 3
PO 490 - Seminar in Political Science Min Units: 3 or another 400-level seminar class in anthropology or international studies that addresses issues of conflict, peace, and justice (consult with PACS advisor)

Electives

Fifteen elective credit hours are required, and at least 12 credits must be at the 300 level or above. Elective options are listed in the schedule of classes each semester. Relevant study abroad courses may be counted toward the major with permission of the program director. Examples of past elective courses include the following:

History and Anthropology

AN 320 - Gender and Sexuality in Globalization Min Units: 3
AN 326 - Youth Conflict Global Cinema Min Units: 3
AN 345 - Conflict Resolution Through Arts Min Units: 3
AN 368 - Coming of Age in the Middle East Min Units: 3
AN 380 - Selected Topics in Anthropology Min Units: 3
HST 205 - Questions in History Min Units: 3
HST 305 - Topics in History Min Units: 3 (The Cinema of War)
HST 305 - Topics in History Min Units: 3 (1968)
HST 327 - The History of Human Rights Min Units: 3
HST 335 - The Civil War Min Units: 3
HST 338 - The Era of Jim and Jane Crow Min Units: 3
HST 353 - The American Empire Min Units: 3
HST 395 - War and Peace in the Middle Ages Min Units: 3
HST 401 - Senior Capstone Project Min Units: 3

Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

SP 320S - Service Learning in Spanish

Communications

CCM 354 - Gender and Communication
JR 417 - Global Media Min Units: 3
JR 418 - Gender and Media: Global Views
ORG 253 - Interpersonal Communication Min Units: 3

Other

EI 325 - Social Entrepreneurship Min Units: 3
FL 390 - Seminar Min Units: 3
IS 390 - The United Nations and Other International Organizations Min Units: 3
IS 410 - The Global Society Min Units: 3
RGSS 201 - Intersections of Identity Min Units: 3
OR
SW 232-RGSS - Intersections of Identity Min Units: 3
RGSS 202 - Resistance for Social Change Min Units: 3
OR
SW 223-RGSS - Resistance for Social Change Min Units: 3
ST 390 - Topics in Science, Technology and Society Min Units: 3
SW 240-PO - Gender and Generations: War and Peace Min Units: 3
TI 240-PL - Ethics of War and Peace Min Units: 3
TI 255-PO - The Politics of Alice Walker Min Units: 3
TI 261-STS - Science and Society: Hunger and Obesity
TI 262S - Self and Service Min Units: 3