Oct 05, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Peace Studies, B.A.


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Program Learning Outcomes and Educational Effectiveness Evaluation Plans for B.A. in Peace Studies.

Students pursuing the B.A. in Peace Studies are required to:

  • Maintain at least a 2.000 grade point average in the major.
  • Earn a grade of “C-” or higher in core courses in the major.
  • Complete all core courses in the major for a letter grade.
  • Complete 21 credits from upper-division courses in the major.
  • Complete the capstone requirement PCST 498 .

one course from each of the thematic areas (12 credits)


Students must complete one elective in each category for a total of 12 credits; 3-credit courses may only count for one category. At least two courses must be upper-division. Courses that vary, such a PCST 229 - Experimental Course , PCST 329 - Experimental Course , PCST 401 - Preparatory Course for the Capstone Project , PCST 490 - Independent Internship , and PCST 499 - Individual Study , will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the chair, who will determine which category the course may be counted toward for the student.

area of study (12 credits)


An area of study in peace studies includes four 3-credit courses, three of which must be upper-division, selected to provide specific expertise that will enhance the major. In order to be sure that students achieve the necessary unique credits, if a student has used courses from their minor or major in any of the thematic areas then:

  • courses in the area of study may not be shared with a minor and/or
  • the majority of courses must not be shared with a student’s second major.

Areas of study require approval by the department chair of peace studies. Students must demonstrate that courses not on the above lists meet program learning outcomes in peace studies.

total credits 42


thematic areas


inclusive conflict engagement


While conflicts can occur at differing levels, the dynamics that contribute to each conflict range from individual to inter-communal; from national to global; nevertheless, most attempts at resolving conflicts or building peace are planned and executed in a top-down fashion and are focused on singular issues. This thematic area examines peacebuilding and other responses to conflict at the macro, meso, and micro-levels. Each course provides a detailed understanding of at least one type of conflict engagement mechanism commonly available in the field, while equipping students with the knowledge of best practices in the field.

intercultural understanding


Cultural divisions and misunderstandings provide some of the prime drivers of conflicts around the globe; stereotyping and preconceived biases often prevent the fruitful resolution of societal conflicts. As such, the courses under this thematic area provide the students with the essential exposure to and understanding of other cultures, as well as providing them with the skills for non-violent, intercultural communication.

social justice and social change


Courses under this thematic area offer students an overview and understanding of societal injustices that affect communities and nations. Furthermore, these courses will examine how students, activists, and professionals address social justice issues in order to promote positive change in societies. The cases in this category may be historical, contemporary, or a mixture of both.

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