Minor in Peace and Conflict Studies

The Minor consists of an introductory course (PACS 2000), two core classes, and a multidisciplinary capstone course (PACS 300).  In addition, all PACS minors complete a short term study abroad course (PACS 4100) which exposes them to important themes and issues related to peace around the world.  Each student takes 4 elective courses which may emphasize particular disciplines or skills that are useful for their future careers in government, nonprofits, international organizations, business, or for graduate or professional school.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the minor, students in Peace and Conflict Studies are expected to:

• Understand and apply key concepts of peace and conflict studies (such as peace, conflict, coercion, conflict resolution, ethics of war, nonviolent resistance), to evaluate and solve conflicts in the real world
• Be able to analyze contemporary conflicts in a multidisciplinary (environmental, historical, political, socio-cultural, psychological, and economic) context
• Possess research skills necessary to conduct a research project using qualitative or quantitative evidence to evaluate and contribute to the resolution of a problem, issue, or controversy in the area of peace and conflict studies
• Possess critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and communication skills necessary to conduct conflict resolution by peaceful means.  

Minor only (21 hours)

Required core courses (9 hours):

• PACS 2000 (3)
• PACS 3000 (3)
• And one of:  POLS 4790 (Conflict Resolution) or JOUR 4950 (Media Representation and Propaganda)

Field Experience Requirement (3 hours)

• PACS 4100 (3)  See Field Experience page here.

Elective courses (9 hours total)

Students are strongly encouraged to take one course from each of the following 3 areas: Determinants of Conflict; Conflict Management and Peace; Social Justice, Ethics, and Law.

Courses not included on the lists below may be substituted with the approval of the advisor.  In addition, students may apply 3 credit hours of PACS 4000, PACS 4700, or PACS 4890 as elective credit toward the minor.

Determinants of Conflict:

ENVH 2100 The Global Commons: International Perspectives on Environmental Health and Protection (3).
ETHN 4400 Women and Globalization (3).
GERM 4030 Women and the Third Reich (3).
HIST 3030 World War II (3).
HIST 3370 The Vietnam War (3).
HIST 3670 Hitler's Germany: Rise and Fall of Nazism (3).
HIST 4560 The Holocaust and Anti-Semitism (3).
POLS 3350 Global Resource Politics (3).
SOC 4450 Soc Perspectives Interpersonal Violence (3). Prereq: SOC 1010
SOC 4600 Sociology of Gender (3).  Prereq: SOC 1010
THFM 2900 War, Film and the Soldier Experience (3)

Conflict Management and Peace

POLS 4790 Conflict Resolution (3)
JOUR 4950: Topic: Media Representation and Practices in Times of War and Terrorism
ASIA 3100. Hiroshima and Beyond (2).
PACS 4100.  Peace and Conflict Studies Abroad (3)
ENVS 4150. Strategies and Resources for Environmental Education (3).
GERM 3160 Contemporary Germany (3).
RUSN 2160 Contemporary Russian Society (3)
IPC 2100. Interpersonal Communication in International Contexts (3).
JOUR 4750 Perspectives on International Media (3)
PHIL 2270 Philosophy of Punishment (3)
PHIL 3390 Meditation: Practice and Theory (3)
POLS 4750 International Organization (3).
SOC 3410 Juvenile Delinquency (3). Prereq: SOC 1010
WS 3020 History of Feminist Thought and Action (3). Prereq: WS 2000 or instructor consent
WS 4670 Gender, Media & Culture (3).

Social Justice, Ethics, and Law

ENVH 3060 Environmental Regulation, Organization and Administration (3).
ENG 2110 African-American Literature (3).
ETHN 3010 Ethnicity in the United States (3).
ETHN 3020 Women of Color in the United States (3).
ETHN 3030 Race, Representation, and Culture (3).
ETHN 3510 International Perspectives on Women (3).
JOUR 4550 Diversity Issues in the Media (3).
PHIL 2020 History of Ethics  (3)
PHIL 2240 Socialism, Democracy, and Capitalism (3)
PHIL 2180 Philosophy of Law (3)
PHIL 3120 Political Philosophy (3)
PHIL 3210 Indian and Chinese Philosophy (3)
PHIL 3320 Environmental Ethics (3)
POLS 4000  Human Rights (3)
POLS 4730 International Law (3).
SOC 3160 Minority Groups (3). D  Prereq: SOC 1010
THFM 2150 Exploring Cultural Diversity Through Performance (3).