St. Lawrence University: Peace Studies

Peace Studies is an interdisciplinary field of studies whose purpose is to investigate a variety of concepts of peace and to explore the potential for nonviolent methods of building social, political, and economic justice.

In a world in which it is increasingly clear that military responses to conflict are tremendously costly and destructive, both in terms of human lives and in economic terms, and during a time when more and more people are becoming aware that the effectiveness of military and other violent approaches to problem-solving is extremely limited, it is imperative for more people to learn about alternative approaches to dealing with conflict.

Fortunately, there are many instances in history that demonstrate the effectiveness of nonviolent methods of resolving conflict. Advocates of peacemaking and nonviolence have developed theories and methods, and have tested them in practice, at all levels of human interaction, from interpersonal conflicts to ethnic tensions to international disputes. The academic field of Peace Studies is well established.

The purpose of the Peace Studies minor is to study the basic concepts and methods of analysis that shape the field of Peace Studies. Researchers from a variety of disciplines, including, for example, philosophy, religious studies, political science, and social theory, have developed theories of nonviolent transformation; activists have tested these theories in practice. Students who choose this minor will study these theories and methods and will also examine some of the deep and rich and sometimes forgotten history of nonviolent social change, which provides material for further analysis. Students will engage in critical reflection, comparing the efficacy of violence and nonviolence in addressing conflicts at all levels, from the interpersonal level to the level of international disputes.

A minor in peace studies consists of at least five courses, including Peace Studies 100; three or more courses cross-listed from other academic departments and programs; and either Peace Studies 400 or Peace Studies 410.

Students must complete the cross-listed courses after taking 100 and before taking 400 or 410. In rare cases, and with the approval of the program coordinator, a student may take one cross-listed course concurrently with 100 if the student is already clear that he or she intends to minor in peace studies and consults with the program coordinator and instructor of 100 early in the semester. Also in rare cases, and with the approval of the program coordinator, a student may take his or her cross-listed courses concurrently with 400 or 410. In general, however, students take the three cross-listed courses between the introductory course and the capstone course.

No more than one of these cross-listed courses should be a course that counts for the student’s major(s) (or other minor, if relevant). Students who intend to minor in peace studies should meet with the program coordinator to plan a set of cross-listed courses that complements their interests in a meaningful way. Some students may focus on a particular peace studies angle: international issues with a focus on a particular conflict, for example. Others may wish for a more broad-based background, choosing an array of courses that helps them gain a wider and interdisciplinary perspective on peace issues.

Minors must keep portfolios of their work in all courses intended for their minor, and are expected to keep in regular touch with the program coordinator about their progress through the minor.

Peace Studies Coordinator
Laura Rediehs

Peace Studies Advisory Board
Donna Alvah, Kathleen Buckley, Eve Stoddard