JPCS Courses

281 Exploring Conflict and Peace (3)

An overview to the field of peace and conflict studies, this course introduces students to theories, key terms, concepts, and skills related to conflict, justice, peace, and conflict transformation. Students will discover and attend to their own conflict styles and learn introductory skills for dealing with conflict on an interpersonal level. Students will analyze a current conflict situation in the world and will practice peacebuilding by intervening in a campus conflict or situation of injustice. Open to non-majors as well.

302 Contemporary Issues: Empire and Violence (3)

Imperialism as we knew it is no more, but Empire is alive and well in the new political order of globalization. It is a universal order that accepts no boundaries or limits, leading to resistance and violence on its multiple frontiers. In this course we will study that global phenomenon and the logic of war that accompanies it. We will study the use of lethal violence from both theoretical and phenomenological perspectives. Finally, we will study possible ways to constructively and nonviolently engage the twin phenomena of Empire and War in order to create a more just and peaceable world community.

311 Developing and Sustaining the Peacebuilder (3)

This experiential/reflective course focuses on the vocation of being a peacebuilder with time divided between a peace and justice community learning assignment and reflection upon that experience. In addition to community learning, the course includes exploration of opportunities for vocational involvement, the development of a professional portfolio with personal resumé and the exploration of disciplines for sustaining ourselves in the long term for peace and justice work. Students will participate in a field trip to the Greaterford Prison. Priority given to junior or senior JPCS majors and minors. Prerequisite: JPCS 281.

351 Mediation and Conflict Transformation (3)

This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of transformative mediation. Students will learn about conflict transformation and the mediation process through readings, activities and class discussions, and will develop the skills essential for effective mediation through extensive role playing. Writing assignments will help students to reflect on personal conflict experiences, consider the personal, ethical, and policy issues that arise in mediation, and evaluate various mediation models and mediator styles. With its emphasis on practical outreach, the course is useful for those planning to work in church ministry, business, education, social work and many other areas. First and second year students by permission of instructor only.

372 Global Ethics of Peace and Justice (3)

The course will explore how Christian social ethics informs the challenges of building a just peace, both globally and in local communities. It will explore issues such as global economic structures, the environment, war and American foreign policy. Students will participate in a field trip to Washington , D.C. to visit such organizations as the World Bank and Christian organizations working for peace and justice.

382 History and Philosophy of Nonviolence (3)

Nonviolence has a long, rich history. This course begins with the early Christian application of Jesus’ peaceable way to the issue of involvement in warfare, and traces the philosophy and practice of nonviolence in the centuries since. We also look at the origins and development of the just war and justifiable revolution traditions. Special attention is paid to the application of the philosophy of nonviolence to social change efforts, including the work and thought of Mahatma Gandhi.

*392 Restorative Justice (3)

Provides a basic and critical introduction to the principles and operation of the American criminal justice system and an exploration of important issues in the field (e.g. role of victims, race, death penalty). Critical perspectives are drawn from a variety of peacemaking traditions including the field of restorative justice. (Spring 2008)

431/2 Justice and Peace Practicum (1-3)

Provides JPCS majors opportunities for practical off-campus experience in settings related to the field. Prerequisite: approval of JPCS coordinator.

462 Group Dynamics and Facilitation (3)

This course will introduce students to group dynamics including the functions and features of groups, group structure, development and leadership. It will also provide an opportunity for students to apply group dynamics theories to facilitation and to work toward mastery of the skills required for good group process. Emphasis will be placed on decision-making, problem solving, conflict transformation and teambuilding. Students will practice facilitation in campus or community settings focusing on planning and facilitating effective meetings.

471 International Conflict and Peacebuilding (3)

This course focuses on the structure, dynamics and challenges of conflicts in and between nation-states through the in-depth exploration of several specific situations (e.g., Central America , Middle East ) in which students research and simulate aspects of the conflict. Causes and development of conflict internationally and a more in-depth understanding of peacebuilding strategies applicable to concrete situations are explored.

482 Theories for Analysis and Action (3)

The course will explore the theoretical bases for peacebuilding analysis and action. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the field, this course will draw on a number of theoretical streams to understand the theoretical assumptions that guide peace practitioners in action and reflection on their peacebuilding efforts. Prerequisite: JPCS 281 and any social theory course.