Minor in Peace Studies
The Peace Studies minor seeks to promote a critical
understanding of the nature and dynamics of violent conflict 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 and peace 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 interdisciplinary study
and practice, Minors in Peace Studies prepare for graduate study
and a variety of careers in policy analysis, government,
non-governmental organizations, journalism, teaching, law and
business. For further information contact Dr. Siobhán
McEvoy-Levy, associate professor and program
director, or Judy Malarney, administrative
assistant.
The program in Peace Studies is designed to enable students to
pursue the following 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 the different means by which
conflicts are resolved.
- To critically evaluate and devise strategies for peace through
reflection on different ethical, religious, philosophical, and
cultural approaches to peace, the work of the major thinkers and
activists, 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 resolution
skills, selected internships and study abroad experiences.
Peace Minor Requirements
The minor in Peace Studies consists of 18 hours of Peace Studies
courses. Students must complete 12 hours of required courses (see
below) plus 6 hours of electives.
Peace Studies Required Courses (12 hours)
- PO 102 Introduction to Peace Studies
- ONE of the following courses:*
PO 220: Community Mediation
PO 322: International Conflict and Peace Building
PO 335: Racial and Ethnic Politics
RL 362: War, Peace and Religion
PL 375: Topics: International Ethics and Global Justice
IS 410: Global Society
- Internship or service learning (x 1 for three credits)
Internship and service learning requirements will typically be
fulfilled at locations in Indianapolis such as Exodus, Peace
Learning Center, Indianapolis Peace and Justice Center, Noah
(Neighbors Organized to Assist Humanity) or through SP 300 Service
Learning in Spanish. Occasionally they may be fulfilled as part of
a Washington D.C. Semester internships or as a component of study
abroad.
- PO 490: Senior Seminar: Special Topics in Peace Studies (such
as Cultures of Peace in Latin America; Youth, Violence and Peace;
War in Iraq)
Electives (Six Hours)
A separate list of electives that may be taken for peace studies
credit will be published each semester but examples of courses
students might take are: AN 380 Topics: Violence, Culture and
Society; PO 380: Topics: Nobel Peace Prize Winners; PO 380: Topics:
Northern Ireland from War to Peace; PO 380: Topics: Understanding
the Israel-Palestine Conflict; PO 380 Topics: Urban Peace and
Justice; HS 390 War and Peace in the Middle Ages; RL363/563:
Religion, Politics, and Conflict in South Asia. Students may also
choose from the list of required courses for elective credit: PO
220: Community Mediation; PO 322: International Conflict and Peace
Building; PO 335: Racial and Ethnic Politics; RL 362: War, Peace
and Religion; PL 375:Topics: International Ethics and Global
Justice; IS 410: Global Society.
In some situations students may also earn elective credit for a
minor in Peace Studies through study abroad.