The Peace and Conflict Studies
Program
Administration
Craig W. Auchter, Ph.D., Director
The Peace and Conflict Studies
Program seeks to promote a critical understanding of the
nature and dynamics of conflict, violence and the conditions and
practice of peace. It provides a structured program of study for
students who wish to make issues of violence and conflict
(interpersonal, intergroup and interstate), social justice, human
rights, ecological integrity, and peace at multiple levels more
central to their university education. Contemporary peace studies
is an arena of interdisciplinary research, study, dialogue,
reflection and action which is supported by a broad disciplinary
base drawing on all of the social sciences and courses in the arts
and humanities, sciences, education and business. Through multi-
and interdisciplinary study and practice, students in Peace Studies
prepare for graduate study and a wide variety of careers in policy
analysis, government, non-governmental organizations, journalism,
teaching, law and business.
Student Learning
Objectives
• To acquire a complex understanding of the nature
and origins of violence, its dynamics and different manifestations
and modes of expression.
• To better understand why conflict occurs, when
and how conflicts become violent, and constructive methods of
approaching and processing distinct types of conflicts that occur
along a continuum from interpersonal to global settings.
• To critically evaluate and devise strategies for
peace through reflection on ethical, religious, philosophical and
cultural approaches to peace, the work of leading thinkers and
activists in the field, and public policy.
• To develop knowledge, analytical skills and
practical training through:
•
Analysis of theories and theoretical models, case studies, language
and value systems, and historical precedents and trends.
•
Service learning, practical training in conflict mediation skills,
selected internships and study abroad experiences.