Interdisciplinary Minor

Peace and conflict studies is an interdisciplinary area of study that emerged in the post-World War II era that seeks to promote a greater understanding of causes of war and ways of resolving conflicts without resorting to violence.

The goals of the minor are to expose students to the nature of contemporary conflicts, increase awareness about the practices and philosophies that guide peacemaking, and to help students develop a critical understanding of policies and values about conflict, war, and peace. The minor is composed of six courses, as well as either an experiential learning component or a senior capstone project. Minors are encouraged to meet with the program advisor prior to the second semester of their sophomore year to develop a coherent course of study.

Peace & Conflict Studies Minor Requirements 

This Minor requires POL 201 Theories of Peace and Conflict and (5) additional four-credit courses from three categories described below. No more than two courses taken at abroad institutions may count toward  the minor and they must be approved by the Peace & Conflict Minor Director.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
1. Required Course		4
POL 201	Theories of Peace and Conflict
2. Two courses on the philosophical approaches and practical applications of peace and peace processes. Courses in this category include religious approaches to our conceptions of peace and those focusing on the resolution of conflict and peacebuilding.
Select 1 course		4
POL 373	Human Rights & Social Justice
POL 374	International Organization & Law
POL 386	Comparative Peace Processes
Select 1 Course		4
PHL 111	Intro Comparative Religion: Western
PHL 112	Intro Comparative Religion: Eastern
PHL 225	Ethical Theory
PHL 235	Foundations of Morality
PHL 335	Philosophy of Law
POL 373	Human Rights & Social Justice
POL 374	International Organization & Law
POL 386	Comparative Peace Processes
3. One Course in Contemporary Conflict
Select 1 course		4
HIS 360	Modern Germany
HIS 371	History of South Africa
HIS 381	History of Modern China
HIS 383	History of Modern Japan
HIS 392	Russia and the Soviet Union
POL 348	Latin American Politics
POL 351	Politics, Religion, Ethnicity in S. Asia
POL 356	Africa in the World
POL 382	U.S.- Latin American Relations
POL 384	International Relations of East Asia
POL 388	U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East
4. Two courses on the structural causes of violence and conflict, including inequality, poverty, racism, repression, and demographic stresses
Select 1 Course		4
POL 341	Politics of Development
POL 371	International Politics
POL 389	Gender and Conflict
Select 1 Courses		4
ANT 320	Race and Ethnicity
ECN 305	Economic Development
PHL 303	Environmental Ethics
POL 341	Politics of Development
POL 371	International Politics
POL 389	Gender and Conflict
SOC 221	Social Inequalities
SOC 240	Criminology
5. Complete an experiential learning exercise or a Senior Capstone Experience related to peace and conflict studies. 1
Total Credits		24

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For the Experiential Learning option, students are required to participate in a semester-long applied learning experience in the field of conflict resolution. Such activities include the Model United Nations course, internship, or volunteer activity. Alternatively, minors may complete a senior capstone experience in their respective major discipline on a topic related to peace and conflict studies. Minors should seek the approval of program advisor prior to either endeavor.

Andrew Oros, Director – Political Science and International Studies

Affiliated Faculty
Jennifer Benson – Philosophy and Religion
Clayton Black – History
Anjali Chandra – Economics
Rachel Durso – Sociology
Nick Garcia – Sociology
Aaron Lampman – Anthropology
Matthew McCabe – Philosophy and Religion
Carrie Reiling – Political Science and International Studies
Tahir Shad – Political Science and International Studies
Bin Song – Philosophy and Religion
Christine Wade – Political Science and International Studies
Carol Wilson – History