Department of Peace Studies

Lisa Leitz, Ph.D., Chair

Professors: Blaser, Ruppel;

Instructional Professor: Brown;

Associate Professor: Leitz;

Assistant Professor: Ulas;

Presidential Fellow: Nesbitt.

Military conflicts, human security crises involving displaced persons and famine, and social turmoil appear worse than ever, but much data indicates that standards of living have risen around the world and relationships between nations and peoples are more peaceful now than ever. The events of September 11, 2001 and other terrorist attacks tragically demonstrate the changing nature of global conflicts. While ideological differences among nations persist, strife of a national, ethnic or religious nature (often fueled by economic injustice) has re-emerged as a fundamental challenge to world peace. Despite the global attention to human rights, repression of ethnic, religious, gender, sexual, and economic minorities continue. Responding to these challenges, the Department of Peace Studies reaches beyond the confines of strategic studies and disarmament issues to probe the underlying causes of international conflict and domestic strife.

The Department of Peace Studies offers a major and minor, which encourage students to analyze the sources of social conflict and to explore the potential for the nonviolent resolution of such strife. The problem-centered, multicultural and interdisciplinary program is premised on the belief that the analysis of conflict demands a thorough synthesis of insights from various fields of knowledge. Students in the Model United Nations program annually attend the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City. Peace studies majors are strongly encouraged to consider overseas study as well as internship opportunities.

Peace studies majors may pursue careers in government service, the United Nations or other international organizations, advocacy and political organizing, mediation and conflict resolution, and religious or service organizations. Most careers will benefit from peacemaking skills.

Students earning double majors in peace studies and political science must ensure that there are 18 unique credits in both majors.

Students pursuing a peace studies degree must receive at least a “C-” in all major core courses. Moreover, peace studies majors cannot take a pass/no pass in any of the core major courses.

Program Honors
The Department of Peace Studies awards honors to graduating seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. Requirements for consideration include a GPA of 3.700 or higher within the major and the completion of a substantial independent research project as part of a 400-level seminar and an independent research project in conjunction with a faculty member. Exceptional and/or sustained community service may also be considered.

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts

Peace Studies, B.A.

Minor

Peace Studies, Minor

Courses

Peace Studies