PACS Curriculum
The Student Learning Objectives of the Peace and Conflict Studies program are:
- 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.
NOTE: Degree requirements for incoming students may not reflect the actual degree requirements of current students.
The major in Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) consists of 36 hours of courses, including 6 hours of internship or service-learning.
A PACS major must complete 21 hours of Peace and Conflict courses. The following courses are required:
- PACS/PO 102, Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies (3) or SW 240-PO, Gender and Generations: War and Peace (3)
- PACS/PO 220, Community Mediation (3)
- PACS/PO 322, International Conflict and Peace Building (3)
- PACS, One theory or methods class in a relevant discipline (consult with PACS advisor) (3)*
- PACS, One 400-level class or Thesis (consult with PACS advisor) (3)**
- PACS: Internship (6 hrs)
- Electives (15 hrs)
Internship requirements are fulfilled at locations in Indianapolis such as Exodus Refugee Center, Peace Learning Center, the Julian Center, or through SP 320S, Service Learning in Spanish (up to 3 hrs). Students may also fulfill this requirement through Washington, DC Semester internships, or as a component of study abroad.
*Students may fulfill this requirement with a research methods or theory class in, for example, political science, sociology, anthropology, and rhetorical criticism.
**Students can opt to take the PO 490 Senior Seminar as their capstone course for PACS or another 400-level seminar class in anthropology or international studies that addresses issues of conflict, peace and justice.
Students in the major are required to complete 15 hours of Peace and Conflict Studies Electives, at least 12 of which must be taken at the 300 level or above; 3 hours may be taken at the 200 level.
Elective options are listed on the Electives page. The current list of courses with PACS attributes can be found via “Class Search” on My.Butler, and a complete program listing can be found in the current Academic Bulletin. Relevant study abroad courses may be counted towards the major with permission of the PACS director.
In addition, students will be required to satisfy the Butler University Core curriculum.
Additional hours of free electives, combined with the above, may be used to complete the 120 hours needed for graduation.
The minor in Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) consists of 18 hours of courses. The following courses are required:
- PACS/PO 102, Introduction to Peace Studies (3) or SW-240-PO, Gender and Generations: War and Peace (3)
- PACS/PO 220, Community Mediation OR PACS/PO 322, International Conflict and Peacebuilding (3)
- PACS Internship—Internship requirements are fulfilled at locations in Indianapolis such as Exodus Refugee Center, Peace Learning Center, the Julian Center, or through SP 320S, Service Learning in Spanish. Students may also fulfill this requirement through Washington D.C. Semester internships, or as a component of study abroad. (3)
- PACS/PO 490, Senior Seminar: Special Topics in Peace Studies (such as Cultures of Peace in Latin America; Youth, Violence and Peace; War in Iraq; The Politics of Harry Potter and the Hunger Games) (3)
- Electives (6 Hours)
Elective options are listed on the Electives page. The current list of courses with PACS attributes can be found via “Class Search” on My.Butler, and a complete program listing can be found in the current Academic Bulletin.
For course descriptions and information, visit m.butler.edu.
Current students should consult their own academic advisement report in my.butler.edu to see their individual requirements and progress toward degree completion.