BA/BS in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

Peace and justice studies pairs the analysis of conflict with the study of ways to build a more peaceful and fair society. Students examine past and current attempts to lessen violence, settle disputes, and secure justice, from small-scale tensions to large-scale wars. Topics range over human rights, community-level organizing, justice in environmental matters, peacemaking within and between nations, and inequality tied to race, class, and gender. Coursework is combined with research and activities outside the classroom, and students test ideas in the field through internships, externships, and field study. The curriculum asks students to apply general theories of conflict transformation to particular cases, regions, and issues. Along the way they strengthen their capacity for ethical decision making grounded in careful thinking, empathy, and a sense of responsibility. Both a major and a minor are available.