Ways to Structure a Peace Studies Minor »
By Laura Rediehs on Dec 12, 2008 in The Minor | 1 Comment
Some Peace Studies minors are more structured than our plan; others are less structured.
Those with more structure either specify that each student choose a concentration, or map out the Peace Studies terrain and specify “distribution requirements” to ensure that students gain a wide perspective on the field as a whole.
We have decided that it might be best for our own students to choose their own approach, in consultation with the Peace Studies Coordinator. Some students may wish to take a focused approach, perhaps complementing their major. Other students may wish to gain a broader perspective on the field as a whole. The following represents a listing of the various ways that programs at other colleges do map out the field of Peace Studies, and can provide suggestions for students in constructing their programs.
Suggestion 1: Broad Overview in Terms of Scope
Peacemaking and nonviolent action can be applied at many levels. One way to gain a broad overview of the field is to select courses that represent the different levels:
- Personal & Interpersonal Issues
- Community & Social Issues
- International & Global Issues
- Ecological Issues
Suggestion 2: A Wide Geographical Perspective
Another way to gain a broad overview of the field is to gain a broad geographical perspective. Some Peace Studies programs at other schools require students to examine peace issues across the world:
- Central America, the Caribbean, and South America
- North America
- West, East, Central and Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa
- Europe
- The Middle East and North Africa
- Central Asia and the Former Soviet Union
- Asia and the Pacific Rim
Suggestion 3: Focus on a Particular Geographical Area
Other programs require concentration rather than a broad overview, and one way to focus one’s studies is to do so geographically: through more in-depth study in a particular region of the world.
Suggestion 4: Strive for a Balance between a Conceptual Understanding and the Study of Practices
In this case, you might want to take some courses that provide a conceptual or theoretical overview, and other courses that examine actual practices.
Examples of Conceptual Foundations would be courses that deal with:
- Philosophical, Religious, and Cultural Bases and Influences
- Religion and Pacifism
- Ethical Approaches to Peace, War, and Conflict
- Increased Understanding of Social, Economic, and/or Environmental Justice
- The Role of International Norms, Institutions, and States in a Peaceful World Order
- Structural Causes of Violence and Conflict
- Social Theory and Social Movements
- Peace and Environmental Sustainability
- Economics and Peace
And then some other courses would help you to study actual practices and processes of peacemaking, nonviolent action, conflict management, conflict resolution, or conflict transformation. These practices can be identified from historical, sociological, anthropological, or psychological studies.
Suggestion 5: Focus on Specific Problems
Another way to focus one’s studies is to focus on a particular problem in some depth. Some examples might include:
- Ethnic conflict in general or in a specific region of the world
- In-depth examination of a contemporary large-scale conflict
- An applied approach, such as reducing violence among youth, the arts and peacemaking, community mediation, or labor relations.
These are only a few suggestions. There are other possibilities as well! Feel free to set up an appointment to talk with the coordinator or a member of the advisory board to explore more possibilities.