PAX 2000 Introduction to Peace Studies
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the interdisciplinary field of peace studies from various liberal arts disciplines, including literature, art, history, political science, anthropology, philosophy, ethics, psychology, sociology, science and religious studies. Students will examine the theoretical and practical application of peace pedagogy to micro and macro systemic conflicts and alternative conflict resolution. This course will introduce critical analysis skills relevant to such complex concepts as: empathy and apathy, divisiveness and consensus, chaos and order, hostility and compassion, self-interest and altruism, acceptance/tolerance and ostracism/aggressiveness, and cognitive inflexibility and compromise. Students will also explore contemporary thinking relevant to pluralism, peace-building, social justice, human rights, environmental stability and reconciliation. The course includes service-learning, critical discussions of readings, and relevant classroom projects.
Prerequisite
REA 0017 or
REA 0011 or
REA 0019 and ENC 0025 or
ENC 0021 or
ENC 0022 (completed with a grade of "C" or higher for each course) or appropriate placement test scores. Students who are not required to take the common placement test or enroll in developmental education courses do not have to satisfy prerequisites.