Peace Studies, Minor

The Peace Studies Minor offers an interdisciplinary analysis of conflict and nonviolent movements both in the U.S. and globally. The Peace Studies Minor combines Human Communication’s multicultural and ethical reflexivity with Global Studies’ purview of complex global systems.

Student learning is supported through our commitment to assets-based learning models and the minor’s dual approach of process (conflict resolution and nonviolence skills) and content (global conflict, feminist theory of violence, religious peacemaking, histories and philosophies of nonviolence). Peace Studies minors will engage the campus community with the surrounding communities in shared commitments to developing scholarly and applied strategies for peace building.

Required Courses

Please note: Twelve of the units taken to complete a minor (6 of which are upper division) may not be used in fulfillment of other minors, concentrations, or major requirements.

Students must complete 12 units in the minor; if needed, take an additional course from any area in order to complete 12 units.

Complete one of the following Theories of Conflict courses:
GS 317 - Global Migrant Workers: Ethnic Experiences, Resistance, and Empowerment Units: 4
GS 327 - Politics of the Middle East Units: 3
GS 360 - Relig’n/Violence/Peacemaking Units: 4
GS 363 - Comparative Settler Colonialism: Land, the ‘Logic of Elimination,’ and Structures of Race Units: 3
Complete one of the following Theories and Strategies of Peacebuilding and Social Justice courses:
GS 323 - International Law Units: 4
HCOM 404 - Restorative Justice Units: 4
Complete one of the following Communication and Conflict Resolution courses:
HCOM 309 - Interracial Communication Units: 4
HCOM 312 - Deliberation and Advocacy Units: 3
HCOM 343 - Race and Gender Justice Units: 3
HCOM 412 - Multicultural Conflict Resolution Units: 4

Learning Outcomes

Theories of Conflict

Students identify and explain various theoretical approaches to conflict, through case studies of conflict and various theoretical approaches to conflict.

Theories and Strategies of Peacebuilding and Social Justice for a Just Peace

Students explain past and present efforts for intersectional strategies of social justice and peacebuilding for a just peace.

Communication and Conflict Resolution

Students explain the intersection of culture, ideology, and conflict, and identify various communicaiton-based approaches to peacebuilding