BA Peace Studies

An important focus of the 33-credit Peace Studies major is the exploration of the roots of violence and war. Students delve into the deeper meanings of conflict, peace, love, compassion, forgiveness, reconciliation and nonviolence. They examine the theoretical and methodological aspects of conflict and their “resolution.”

Contemplative disciplines permeate the learning and teaching of everyone involved in the major. Students are expected to go deeper into their particular contemplative disciplines.

All through history artists have inspired and sustained individuals in their struggles against tyranny and oppression. As such, the place of the arts and artists constitutes an essential pillar of the Peace Studies major.

Engaged learning is another important piece of this degree program. Students deal head-on with the harsh realities of life in the world beyond the university. In a fundamental sense, the world beyond the university becomes the classroom. The real-life experiences of the disadvantaged and the marginalized are the essential textbooks in engaged learning.