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Peace & Conflict Studies

All courses, arranged by program, are listed in the catalog. If you cannot locate a specific course, try the Advanced Search. Current class schedules, with posted days and times, can be found on the NOW/Student Dashboard or by logging in to SiS.


Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies (Formerly PCS 125)

Description

This course will focus on the causes of conflict, conflict resolution methods, and ways to sustain peace. The course will explain and define each of those areas. A mid-term will be administered to examine the students' grasp of the concepts and key terminology. The second part of the class will emphasize student participation and the application of concepts learned earlier in class. The final is a take home exam that will require the application of theory and praxis in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies.

Research Methods in Peace and Conflict Studies

Description

To introduce students to the different approaches to research (qualitative and quantitative) in Peace and Conflict Studies and to help students differentiate between theory testing and theory building, and to provide a general framework for research design.

Diplomacy and Cross Cultural Negotiations

Description

This course introduces the students to the breadth and depth of diplomatic historical practices, and theories. It will also introduce methods of negotiation and conflict resolution utilizing the different models focusing on cross-cultural negotiations. The role of cultural differences in the processes of negotiation and diplomatic practice and the multiple layers of public diplomacy will also be analyzed stressing the role of cultural differences in the processes of negotiation and diplomatic practice. The course will lastly examine democratic transition in conflicted countries and how to advocate for the transition as part and parcel of peace building.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: ENGL 1020 College Writing II, or permission of instructor.

Restorative Justice: Repairing Harm Through Dialog

Description

This course introduces students to the principles, values, and practices of restorative justice to repair harm through dialogue and build positive peace. Students develop a working knowledge of the general theories of restorative justice and gain practical experience with peacemaking techniques. Traditional assumptions about justice and the adversarial legal process will be explored and challenged. Students will critically examine how restorative justice addresses the needs and harms of multiple stakeholders, draws from indigenous approaches, and challenges interpersonal and structural forms of harm, including practical challenges in implementing restorative justice and the relationship between restorative justice, restorative practices, and other conflict resolution methods.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: ENGL.1020 College Writing II.

Domestic and International Negotiation Skills

Description

Effective negotiation is the art of separating the people from the problem and focusing on the problem itself - rather than criticizing other parties at the negotiation table. It is focused on achieving mutual gains, and positive outcomes for all parties. This course's aim is to teach students the practice and refinement of their negotiation and conflict resolution skills by debating real-world, often-divisive, local, national, and international issues. The course is designed to prepare students to resolve conflicts with others more effectively, in political, economic, social, and personal settings.

Gender in Peace and Conflict (Formerly PCS 420)

Description

"Gender, Work and Peace" will explore the relationship between human rights, gender and nonviolence in the 21st century. We will examine how current and future reality can be shaped by related policies, specifically those on the micro and macro level concerned with gender. Today we live in a period of global transition comparable to the period that followed the Industrial Revolution. It presents us with enormous challenges and opportunities regarding factors we will address in class: economic globalization, government restructuring, work-family balancing, environmental safety at work, gender inequalities and the connection between human rights and dignity at work.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: ENGL.1020 College Writing II.

Integrative Seminar in Peace and Conflict Studies (Formerly PCS 453/553)

Description

The purpose of the integrative seminar is to assist students in developing a robust and mature understanding of the three PCS core questions as they relate to PCS coursework. With a strong evidence focus, students identify patterns, principles, questions, and dilemmas relevant to the core questions emerge from multiple courses they have taken within the PCS program. Students develop a reflective journal, a series of essays, a portfolio of their accumulated work, and a culminating portfolio presentation. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Applied & Integrative Learning (AIL) and Written & Oral Communication (WOC).

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: PCST.1250 Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies; and Peace and Conflict Studies major or undeclared.

Mediation: Theory and Practice (Formerly PCS 455/555)

Description

Mediation is a form of dispute resolution in which a neutral person helps two or more parties discuss their conflict, explore wants and needs, generate options, and reach an agreement. Mediation has become more prevalent over the past few decades in the courts, community-setting, and schools because it empowers the disputing parties to reach a resolution that works for them. This course introduces mediation in the context of other forms of alternative dispute resolution, teaches the principles and theory behind mediation, and trains students in the fundamentals of the mediation process. Interactive exercises and mediation role-plays will be used to provide experiential practice. Upon completion of the course, students will be connected to opportunities to practice mediation in the local courts or with community organizations.

Peace and Conflict Field Experience (Formerly PCS 458/558)

Description

A program of practical experience in the field of Peace and Conflict. Students can work in a variety of areas related to Peace and Conflict Studies. Students meet regularly as a class on campus with the designated instructor to discuss their experiences and to learn more about the settings in which they practice and the challenges that they confront.

Seminar in Peace and Conflict Studies (Formerly PCS 473/502)

Description

Offered from time to time to highlight specialized areas of faculty interest and to acquaint the student with new developments from a broad range of theory and research and how these developments might affect the field of Peace and Conflict Studies.

Community Conflict Resolution (Formerly 57.475)

Description

This course gives students an understanding of the main issues and solutions involved in community level conflict resolution; e.g., in neighborhoods, workplaces, and other institutions. It develops students' skills in practicing conflict resolution and/or evaluating programs in the field of dispute resolution.It is important to understand why conflict happens and how to resolve conflict.

Directed Study (Formerly PCS 491)

Description

Through frequent consultation with the instructor, the student carries out the investigation of a particularly specialized area of interest. This course may be repeated for up to a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites

Pre-req: PCS.125 Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies.

Practicum in Peace and Conflict Studies (Formerly PCS 496)

Description

Specific requirements vary, but the Practicum experience enables Junior and Senior level students to work and study in a variety of areas related to Peace and Conflict Studies. Students meet regularly as a class on campus with the designated instructor to discuss their experiences and to learn more about the settings in which they practice and the challenges that they confront. Practicum may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.

Prerequisites

Pre-req: PCS.125 Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies.