Program Overview

Introduction to Peace Studies

The Peace Studies program is designed for students who are concerned about issues of peace and social justice in contemporary society. It is founded on the principle that peace requires not only the absence of violence but also the presence of justice.

Certificate in Peace and Social Justice Studies

This certificate can be earned in conjunction with any baccalaureate or graduate degree. It can also be earned through the General Education Pathway in Conflict & Peace Studies while simultaneously meeting all general education requirements.

Requirements

To earn the Certificate in Peace and Social Justice Studies, students must complete 24 units in a program approved by the Director of Peace Studies. The requirements include:

• Core Theory Course (3 units): Take one of the following: I/ST 317, POSC 371
• Core Skills Course (3 units): Take one of the following: COMM 411
• Elective Courses (15 units): Take at least one course from each of the following groups, and one additional course from any group.
  • Group A: Perspectives on Peace, Conflict, Violence, and War (3 units minimum)
    • ANTH 305
    • COMM 490
    • CRJU 101
    • HIST 304, HIST 377, HIST 495
    • I/ST 318, I/ST 355
    • POSC 371, POSC 455
    • PHIL 351
    • PSY 350
  • Group B: Laws, Rights, Responsibilities in Peace and Conflict (3 units minimum)
    • COMM 441
    • PHIL 352
    • POSC 412
  • Group C: Culture, Race, Gender Influences on Peace and Conflict (3 units minimum)
    • ANTH 315, ANTH 311
    • AFRS 325
    • COMM 330, 412
    • HIST 309
    • LING 470
    • SOC 346
    • HIST 490F
    • WGSS 401, WGSS 430
  • Group D: Empowerment and Peace-Building (3 units minimum)
    • COMM 410, COMM 421
    • CAFF 309
    • FEA 486
    • NRSG 481
    • PSY 336
    • SOC 427
    • SW 423
• Peace Project (3 units, optional): Students in the Certificate program only should complete three units of an independent study project during their senior year with any Peace Studies faculty.

Exceptions and Substitutions

Exceptions or substitutions may be made only with the approval of the Director of the Peace Studies Program. Students who are simultaneously completing the General Education pathway in Conflict & Peace Studies need to take an additional 300- or 400-level GE course from groups A, B, C, or D above to complete the 24 required units in this Certificate.