Dec 03, 2024  
Course Catalog 2022-2023 
    
Course Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Peace and Conflict Studies Integrative Concentration


The integrative concentration consists of a minimum of 6 full courses (or the equivalent), 1 experiential component, and an intellectual coherence statement.

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the integrative concentration.


The Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) integrative concentration is an interdisciplinary concentration that:

  • studies the factors that lead to human conflict and aggression, including those that are psychological, sociological, anthropological, environmental, political, economic, religious, and historical in nature;
  • examines levels of conflict ranging from micro- or interpersonal-level to macro- or international-level;
  • explores the potential links between issues of social and environmental justice and violent conflict, including the relationship between different forms of violence, such as structural versus episodic violence, and perceptions of injustice; and
  • can augment the intellectual study of peace and conflict with experiences outside of the classroom in the form of fieldwork and internships.

Any student, regardless of major or minor, can pursue a PACS integrative concentration. This concentration does not substitute for a major or minor.

arrow Visit the Peace and Conflict Studies webpage for more information.


Students wishing to complete the PACS integrative concentration should consult with one of the concentration co-chairs and complete the Integrative Concentration form. The form requires the signature of one of the co-chairs.

Co-Chairs
Stephen Crowley (Politics)
Anthony Pernell-McGee (Career Exploration and Development)

Peace and Conflict Studies Course Lists


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  • If a student is enrolled in or has completed a course that is not listed below, they can petition the concentration co-chairs to apply the course toward the concentration.
  • Students should be aware that some of the below listed courses have prerequisites and should plan their schedules accordingly.

Intermediate Courses


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Note: Courses must be taken in at least three different departments.

Advanced Courses


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Note: A private reading may fulfill this requirement upon approval of one of the concentration co-chairs.

Experiential Component


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In order to provide students with practical experience in the area of peace and conflict studies, concentrators are required to pursue an internship, work experience, or Winter Term project (sponsored by one of the concentration co-chairs) that focuses on skills directly related to the integrative concentration. Students are encouraged to explore internship and other opportunities through a relevant career community.

The hands-on experience may take place during the academic year, as part of a study away program, or as a Winter Term or summer experience. A generous financial gift from the Class of 1958 may be used to help defray the expenses of students who partake of this experience.

Intellectual Coherence Statement


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Students will be required to submit a plan for their concentration at the time of declaration, outlining their intended course of study and their understanding of how this will be an intellectually coherent course of study. No later than the last semester of their senior year, students must also register for a non-credit course with one of the concentration co-chairs that requires them to submit a five-ten page paper reflecting upon their actual work in the concentration.