2 0 1 3 bulletin - Butler University

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SP499, Honors Thesis in Spanish: (U)(3). As
needed.
Peace Studies Program
Administration
Siobhan McEvoy-Levy, Ph.D., director
The Peace Studies minor seeks to promote
a critical understanding of the nature and
dynamics of violent conflict and the conditions
and practice of peace. It provides a structured
program of study for students who wish to
make issues of violence and conflict (interpersonal,
intergroup and interstate), social justice,
human rights and peace more central to their
university education. Contemporary peace
studies is an arena of interdisciplinary research,
study, dialogue, reflection and action which is
supported by a broad disciplinary base drawing
on all of the social sciences and courses in
the arts and humanities, sciences, education
and business. Through interdisciplinary study
and practice, Minors in Peace Studies prepare
for graduate study and a variety of careers in
policy analysis, government, non-governmental
organizations, journalism, teaching, law and
business.
Student Learning Objectives
• To acquire a complex understanding of the
nature and origins of violence, its dynamics
and different manifestations and modes of
expression.
• To better understand why conflict occurs,
when and how conflicts become violent,
and the different means by which conflicts
are resolved.
• To critically evaluate and devise strategies
for peace through reflection on different
ethical, religious, philosophical and cultural
approaches to peace, the work of the major
thinkers and activists, and public policy.
• To develop knowledge, analytical skills and
practical training through.
• Analysis of theories and theoretical models,
case-studies, language and value systems,
and historical precedents and trends.
• Service learning, practical training in
conflict resolution skills, selected internships
and study abroad experiences.
Degrees
Minor in Peace Studies
Butler University
Requirements for the minor
The minor in Peace Studies consists of 18
hours of Peace Studies courses. Students must
complete 12 hours of required courses (see
below) plus 6 hours of electives.
Peace Studies Required Courses (12 hours)
PO102, Introduction to Peace Studies: This
course provides a basic introduction to the
study of Peace Studies. It begins with an examination
of the history of the field and its major
theoretical and philosophical currents. The
second part of the course deals with structural,
cultural and direct violence and issues such as
social justice, human rights and peace building
with reference to contemporary cases. (U)(3).
Fall and spring.
ONE of the following courses
PO220, Community Mediation: This course
focuses on conflicts experienced by human
communities and ways in which these conflicts
can be understood as opportunities for
constructive change through the cultivation
of multiple perspectives, identification of
underlying shared needs and interests, and
collaborative approaches to forging agreements
amidst challenging circumstances. (U)(3).
Fall odd-numbered years.
PO322, International Conflict and Peace
Building: The course examines theories of
conflict and peace building and analyzes cases
and issues of inter-state and intra-state warfare,
post-war reconstruction and transitional justice.
(U/G)(3). Spring odd-numbered years.
Internship or service learning (x 1 for three
credits): Internship and service learning
requirements will typically be fulfilled at locations
in Indianapolis such as Exodus, Peace Learning
Center, Indianapolis Peace and Justice Center,
Noah (Neighbors Organized to Assist Humanity)
or through SP300, Service Learning in
Spanish. Occasionally they may be fulfilled as
part of a Washington, D.C. Semester internship
or as a component of study abroad. (U)(3).
Fall and spring.
PO490, Senior Seminar: Special topics in
Political Science with an emphasis on peace,
violence, and/or conflict, such as Cultures of
Peace in Latin America, Youth, Violence and
Peace, War in Iraq. Writing Intensive. (U/G)
(3). Annually.