Peace and Justice Studies, B.A. draft

Program Overview

The Peace and Justice Studies program at Lewis University equips students with the knowledge and skills to promote positive social change and advocate for a more just and peaceful world. The program emphasizes interfaith perspectives, experiential learning, and five flexible pathways for specialization. Graduates are prepared for careers in fields related to peace and justice, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, education, law, and human rights advocacy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Overview:

The Peace and Justice Studies (PJS) program at Lewis University aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to promote positive social change and advocate for a more just and peaceful world. The program emphasizes interfaith perspectives and integrates interfaith studies with core courses, providing a holistic understanding of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and human rights.

Objectives:

• Develop critical awareness of injustices and the ability to envision and enact positive transformations.
• Cultivate knowledge and skills in conflict transformation, civic interfaith leadership, nonviolent strategic action, and peacebuilding.
• Gain expertise in focusing the just peace lens while engaging with diverse communities.

Program Description:

• Interdisciplinary field drawing on political science, sociology, history, theology, psychology, philosophy, and other areas.
• Core courses (18 credits) provide a foundation in just peacebuilding and interfaith studies.
• Five flexible pathways allow students to specialize based on their interests and career goals.
• Emphasis on experiential learning through community engagement, internships, and research opportunities.

Outline

Program Content:

• Core Courses: Explore fundamental concepts of peace and justice, conflict resolution, interfaith dialogue, and social change.
• Pathways: Choose one of five pathways to specialize in an area of interest:
• Conflict Transformation
• Restorative/Transformative Justice
• Human Rights and Equitable Development
• Women and Gender Equity and Inclusion
• Interfaith and Intercultural Bridgebuilding
• Sample Classes: International Human Rights, Multicultural Issues in Criminal Justice, Sustainable Communities, Psychology of Minority Experience, Violence and Peace, Global Educational Systems.

Program Structure:

• Full-time or part-time study options available.
• Day, evening, and online courses offered.
• Completion typically requires 4 years of full-time study.

Course Schedule:

• Courses offered during fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• Specific course offerings may vary depending on semester and faculty availability.

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

• Exams and quizzes
• Essays and research papers
• Class participation and presentations
• Service-learning projects
• Internships and field experience

Assessment Criteria:

• Understanding of key concepts and theories
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations
• Communication and writing skills
• Engagement in class and community

Teaching

Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures and discussions
• Case studies and simulations
• Group projects and collaborative learning
• Experiential learning opportunities
• Guest speakers and field trips

Faculty:

• Experienced and passionate faculty with expertise in peace and justice studies, interfaith dialogue, and related fields.
• Active scholars and practitioners engaged in ongoing research and community projects.

Unique Approaches:

• Interfaith perspective integrated throughout the curriculum.
• Emphasis on real-world application through service-learning and community engagement.

Careers

Career Paths:

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion officer
• Educator
• Negotiator
• Mediator
• Lawyer
• Human rights advocate
• Environmental conservationist
• Community organizer
• Restorative justice practitioner

Career Opportunities:

• Government agencies and NGOs
• Educational institutions
• Non-profit organizations
• Faith-based organizations
• International development organizations
• Law firms and legal advocacy groups
• Social justice movements

Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are prepared to make a meaningful difference in their communities and the world.
• They possess the skills and knowledge to work effectively in diverse settings and address complex social challenges.
• Graduates are well-positioned for successful careers in a variety of fields related to peace and justice.

Other

Interfaith Lens:

• The program emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging with different religious and cultural perspectives.
• Students learn to appreciate the diversity of human experience and to build bridges across divides.

Community Engagement:

• The program encourages students to engage with local communities and apply their learning to real-world issues.
• Students have opportunities to participate in service-learning projects, internships, and community-based research.

Global Perspective:

• The program recognizes the interconnectedness of global challenges and the need for international cooperation.