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Peace and Conflict Studies
Interdisciplinary Minor

ELLEN GRUENBAUM, Dean
BOB FISCHER, Coordinator
Social Science Building, Room 108
(559) 278-3013

Peace and Conflict Studies Minor

Special Certificate in Peacebuilding and Mediation

Faculty

Denis Bacon, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
Barbara Birch, Linguistics
Melanie Bloom, Communication
Sharon Brown-Welty, Educational Research, Administration and Foundations
Jeronima Echeverria, History
Bob Fischer, Sociology
Luz Gonzalez, Chicano and Latin American Studies
Sudarshan Kapoor, Social Work Education
Isabel Kaprielian, History
Pamela Lane-Garon, Educational Research, Administration and Foundation
Russell J. Mardon, Political Science
Robert Mikell, Ethnic Studies
Marilyn Shelton, Literacy and Early Education
Albert Valencia, Counseling and Special Education

Peace and Conflict Studies

The overall purpose of the program in Peace and Conflict Studies (21-unit minor) is to prepare students, including potential leaders, with peacemaking and conflict management skills they can apply to daily life situations, regardless of their academic disciplines or chosen professions. The program has been developed to provide an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of conflict, violence, war, and peace. Such an approach is essential in view of the highly complex, interconnected, interdependent world in which we live. This requires an understanding that allows people to respond creatively, rather than thoughtlessly, to conflict and violence at various levels. This interdisciplinary program is open to all students.

Requirements for the Minor

A total of 21 units, which will include:

1. 15 units from the Areas of Study. It is strongly recommended that 3 units be taken from each of the five Areas of Study. However, four out of the five areas must be covered.
2. PAX 185 - Internship (3 units) or PAX 190 - Independent Study (3 units).
3. PAX 100. Peace and Conflict (3)
   Provides an overview of causes and types of conflict, critical examination of issues related to war, peace, and justice.
4. The minor also requires a minimum 2.0 GPA and six upper-division units in residence.
5. Courses also can fulfill General Education requirements as appropriate.

Areas of Study

AREA I - Personal and Interpersonal Issues
SOC 162, 165, 168; COMM 108, 162; PAX 110; PHIL 10, 157; PSYCH 61, 178

AREA II - Community and Social Issues
ANTH 120; AF AM 144; INTD 156; CRIM 140; CLS 128; ECON 140; I S C 93; SOC 111; PHIL 120, 125; PL SI 116; PSYCH 156; W S 108, 116

AREA III - International and Global Issues
AG EC 140; AF AM 150; B A 174; ECON 114, 179; GEOG 163; HIST 105, 180; PL SI 112, 120, 121, 122, 125; SOC 157

AREA IV - Conflict Management
AG EC 117; B A 156; HIST 166, 185; HRM 152; PL SI 126; COMM 164, 169

AREA V - Education for Peace and Nonviolence
AF AM 145; EHD 101; KINES 111; PHIL 131; SOC 122

Special Certificate in Peacebuilding and Mediation

12 units: Peacebuilding, Mediation, Internship, and Elective Open to all majors. Contact the coordinator for details.

COURSES

Peace and Conflict Studies (PAX)

100. Peace and Conflict (3)
Provides an overview of causes and types of conflict. Critical examination of issues related to war, peace, and justice. (Formerly INTD 180)

110. Peacebuilding (3)
Theories, methods, and skills in personal transformation, anger management, communication, engaging cooperation, building community, reducing prejudice, maintaining relationships, and consensus decision-making. Emphasizes multi-cultural perspectives. (Formerly S SCI 150T)

120. Mediation (3)
This course includes such topics as interest-based bargaining, anger management, values, communication, and conflict management, all in the context of mediation. Participants acquire and practice mediation skills and observe the process as practiced by skilled professional mediators. (Formerly S SCI 150T)

185. Internship (1-3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and sponsoring agency. Internships in peacebuilding, reconciliation, conflict resolution and mediation with local social service agencies, the Better Business Bureau, school districts, and corporations. Hours to be arranged. CR/NC grading only. (Formerly S SCI 185)

190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement - Independent Study. Approved for SP grading.

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