PACS 11001     INTRODUCTION TO CONFLICT MANAGEMENT (KSS)      3 Credit Hours

Introduces key elements of conflict management theory and peacebuilding practice such as conflict styles, active listening, assertion, collaborative problem solving, principled negotiation, mediation and nonviolent conflict intervention. These are essential “life skills” useful in personal, social and professional contexts. Includes conflict communication skills development and practice.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Kent Core Social Sciences

PACS 30000     MAY 4, 1970, AND ITS AFTERMATH      3 Credit Hours

(Cross-listed with AFS 30000 and POL 30000) Study of the events of the 1960s in the U.S. leading up to May 4, 1970 when the Ohio National Guard killed and wounded Kent State University students protesting the U.S. war in Vietnam and Cambodia. Topics are considered within their cultural, historical, social and political contexts. The course also examines the aftermath of May 4th, including the controversy surrounding constructing the gym annex on the May 4th site, the legal trials, the role of commemorations and memorials and the politics of remembering May 4, 1970.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 31002     GENDER, POWER AND CONFLICT      3 Credit Hours

Examines gender roles and power imbalances in interpersonal relationships and group settings and on the structural level, and the various manifestations of violence that may result, considering some of the ways in which these imbalances are developed, maintained and constructively addressed and potentially redressed.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 31003     NONVIOLENCE: THEORY AND PRACTICE      3 Credit Hours

This course explores the theory and practice of nonviolent action as a method for transforming conflict and pursuing social change. Students examine key concepts such as strategy, tactics and the paradox of repression, while analyzing how systems of power shape movements and participation. Through case studies, simulations and engagement with local organizations practicing nonviolent action, students connect theoretical frameworks to real-world experiences and develop skills for evaluating and designing effective nonviolent strategies.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 31010     CONFLICT THEORY      3 Credit Hours

Explores the theoretical foundations of conflict and conflict management to provide a greater understanding of the nature, sources and dynamics of various types of conflict; special challenges faced in addressing those conflicts; and theory underlying various approaches to conflict management and resolution.

Prerequisite: PACS 11001.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 32020     STRATEGIC PLANNING      3 Credit Hours

Provides training with the principles and tactics of strategic planning for individuals, organizations, agencies and institutions. Students learn to apply the principles of conflict management to strategic planning, including assessing the current environment, developing goals and objectives and establishing a timeline for acting on a strategic plan.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 32030     INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION      3 Credit Hours

This course examines the causes, expressions and consequences of international conflicts and civil wars, while exploring practical approaches to their management and resolution. Through case studies and experiential learning, students develop practical skills to apply key concepts to real-world contexts. They also cultivate informed, critical perspectives about war, peace and security in today’s increasingly interconnected and globalized world.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 32040     CROSS-CULTURAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT      3 Credit Hours

This course examines the cultural dimensions of conflict in diverse, multicultural settings, with particular emphasis on the nature and sources of cross-cultural conflicts, processes of escalation and de-escalation and influence of power disparities. It explores strategies for managing and resolving cross-cultural conflicts, while encouraging students to reflect on their own cultural assumptions and how these shape their responses to conflict. Students also work to expand their awareness and capacity for cross-cultural conflict resolution. Case analyses and experiential learning exercises highlight approaches that are respectful of the diverse cultural values of the parties involved.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 33030     CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE      3 Credit Hours

Explores the causes, impact and dynamics of conflict in the workplace. Issues explored include personality conflict, incivility, ethics, teams, management style, diversity, legal issues, alternative dispute resolution, union environments and workplace violence.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 34010     CAREER PATHWAYS IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      3 Credit Hours

So, what does one do with a major or minor in peace and conflict studies? How does one find a job or internship in the field? This course encourages students to explore and critically examine how the skills and knowledge learned throughout peace and conflict studies courses can be utilized and applied to real-world settings. Students interact with alumni and professionals working in a variety of careers that utilize conflict management and related skills. They learn how to do professional networking, create a career plan, develop job search strategies and market their skills and knowledge. Students complete the course with a career plan and detailed identification and exploration of options or another career-related project.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 35050     ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION      3 Credit Hours

(Cross-listed with POL 30350) Examines environmental conflicts, such as land use disputes and resource conflicts, and conflict resolution theory and processes applicable to environmental disputes, especially biodiversity conservation and natural resource conflicts. Students learn about environmental conflict analysis, multistakeholder environmental dispute resolution, dialogue processes, conflict-sensitivity, and environmental cooperation among others. Case studies of environmental conflicts and participatory simulations are used.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 35092     INTERNSHIP IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES (ELR)      1-9 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Students work as interns with an organization, group or business, utilizing and enhancing their skills with conflict management and applied peace studies.

Prerequisite: Two Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) upper-division (30000 or 40000 level) courses; and junior standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Practical Experience

Contact Hours: 3-27 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP

Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement

PACS 35095     SPECIAL TOPICS IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Designed to provide an in-depth examination of topics and issues of interest to faculty and students. Specific topics are announced in the schedule of classes and on the School of Peace and Conflict Studies website.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 36096     INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Individualized program of study and literature review of area of particular interest to the student.

Prerequisite: Two Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) upper-division (30000 or 40000 level) courses; and junior standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Individual Investigation

Contact Hours: 9 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP

PACS 40089     INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES (ELR)      1-4 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) (Slashed with PACS 50089) A Kent State faculty-led study abroad experience in peace and conflict studies that provides students with learning through experiential activities and site visits outside the United States.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: International Experience

Contact Hours: 1-4 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement

PACS 40090     STUDY AWAY: PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES (ELR)      1-4 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) (Slashed with PACS 50090) A Kent State faculty-led study away experience in peace and conflict studies that provides students with learning experiences within the United States outside of Kent State University.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Study Away

Contact Hours: 1-4 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement

PACS 41010     RECONCILIATION VERSUS REVENGE: TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE (WIC)      3 Credit Hours

"Transitional justice" refers to civil and political processes used to move from violence and tyranny to peace and democracy. War crimes tribunals, truth and reconciliation commissions, apologies, forgiveness, reparations and memorials are examined.

Prerequisite: One Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) upper-division (30000 or 40000 level) course; and junior standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

PACS 44040     NEGOTIATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 54040) Effective negotiation skills are essential for success in both our professional and personal lives. This course explores negotiation theories, strategies and techniques in an engaging and interactive way. Students enhance their negotiation skills by learning to plan for an effective negotiation, elicit information effectively, build relationships, improve their communication and persuasive abilities and deal with a variety of situations and circumstances. There are several opportunities to practice negotiation skills during class, experiment with different approaches and develop the skills and confidence to negotiate effectively and constructively.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 45050     COMMUNITY ORGANIZING: PEOPLE, POWER AND PEACEFUL CHANGE      3 Credit Hours

Mobilizing communities for positive and peaceful social change requires thoughtful leaders equipped with the skills to organize people and power. Organizing can make a difference in addressing major public challenges that demand full engagement of community, especially those whose voices are not heard unless they organize. Leadership is accepting responsibility to enable others to achieve shared purpose in the face of uncertainty. Organizing is a way to lead by identifying, recruiting and developing more leaders; building community around that leadership; and building power from the resources of that community.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 45060     ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 55060) This course traces the linking of environment and social justice movements, initially in the U.S. and then internationally, to cover a range of issues that now fall under the banner of environmental justice. It includes theories of justice and environmental protection; issues and critiques of social injustices in environmental movements, including NIMBY (“not in my backyard”), climate justice and mainstream conservation; and case studies demonstrating the need and means to promote just conservation and sustainable development in a politically and economically divided world. Students learn collaborative, non-violent, decolonial approaches to environmental justice action, dialogues and policymaking.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 45093     VARIABLE TOPIC WORKSHOP IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      1-6 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Variable topic offered as need arises. Specific topics will be announced in the Schedule of Classes and on the School of Peace and Conflict Studies website.

Prerequisite: Special approval.

Schedule Type: Workshop

Contact Hours: 1-6 other

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

PACS 48080     MEDIATION: THEORY AND TRAINING      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 58080) Provides training of mediation skills, principles and methods in an interactive way. Students examine the historical development and uses of mediation in various contexts including family, business, labor management, civil, community and workplace disputes.

Prerequisite: PACS 11001.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 49091     VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      1-3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 59091) (Repeatable for maximum of 3 credit hours) Seminar devoted to detailed study of various topics in the field of peace and conflict studies. Specific topics are announced in schedule of classes and on the School of Peace and Conflict Studies website.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 1-3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 50089     INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      1-4 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) (Slashed with PACS 40089) A Kent State faculty-led study abroad experience in peace and conflict studies that provides students with learning through experiential activities and site visits outside the United States.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: International Experience

Contact Hours: 1-4 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 50090     STUDY AWAY: PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      1-4 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) (Slashed with PACS 40090) A Kent State faculty-led study away experience in peace and conflict studies that provides students with learning experiences within the United States outside of Kent State University.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Study Away

Contact Hours: 1-4 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 54040     NEGOTIATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 44040) Effective negotiation skills are essential for success in both our professional and personal lives. This course explores negotiation theories, strategies and techniques in an engaging and interactive way. Students enhance their negotiation skills by learning to plan for an effective negotiation, elicit information effectively, build relationships, improve their communication and persuasive abilities and deal with a variety of situations and circumstances. There are several opportunities to practice negotiation skills during class, experiment with different approaches and develop the skills and confidence to negotiate effectively and constructively.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 55060     ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 45060) This course traces the linking of environment and social justice movements, initially in the U.S. and then internationally, to cover a range of issues that now fall under the banner of environmental justice. It includes theories of justice and environmental protection; issues and critiques of social injustices in environmental movements, including NIMBY (“not in my backyard”), climate justice and mainstream conservation; and case studies demonstrating the need and means to promote just conservation and sustainable development in a politically and economically divided world. Students learn collaborative, non-violent, decolonial approaches to environmental justice action, dialogues and policymaking.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 58080     MEDIATION: THEORY AND TRAINING      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 48080) Provides training of mediation skills, principles and methods in an interactive way. Students examine the historical development and uses of mediation in various contexts including family, business, labor management, civil, community and workplace disputes.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 59091     VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      1-3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 49091) (Repeatable for maximum of 3 credit hours) Seminar devoted to detailed study of various topics in the field of peace and conflict studies. Specific topics are announced in schedule of classes and on the School of Peace and Conflict Studies website.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 1-3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60000     FOUNDATIONS OF CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT      3 Credit Hours

(Cross-listed with POL 60901)(Slashed with POL 70901) Covers the historical development of the conflict analysis and management field; conflict theories; the dynamics by which conflicts escalate, stalemate and de-escalate; and theories of conflict intervention, resolution and transformation.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60001     ADVANCED NEGOTIATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70001) Conflict and negotiation are normal and unavoidable parts of life. This course goes beyond basic negation concepts like principled negotiation, focusing on topics including the psychology of negotiation, power, international relations, technology and other advanced topics. The course covers issues of information asymmetry; power; ethics; and multi-party, iterative and collaborative negotiations. Research of negotiation and prior case studies are used to illustrate topics. This course is highly interactive, focusing on experiential learning and education. Evaluation of performance includes experiential exams, reflection papers and written understanding and analysis of real-world negotiations. Simulations and games are used during class frequently to illustrate concepts.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60002     ADVANCED MEDIATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70002) This course provides students with a conceptual understanding of mediation as well as practical mediation skills. It enables them to work as intermediaries who can assist conflict parties to reflect on the sources and dynamics of their conflict; develop mutually acceptable solutions; and foster constructive, sustainable relationships. The course starts with essential concepts and skills for mediating small-scale interpersonal conflicts. It then addresses more complex intergroup, multiparty conflicts as well as deep-rooted structural conflicts. Through class discussions of readings and simulation exercises, students tackle questions such as how to work with conflicts in which there are many competing issues, goals and priorities involved; how to mediate enduring, intractable conflicts about identity, value and social structure; and how to respond to serious ethical dilemmas and power asymmetry. To meet these challenges, students not only critique the popularized framework of interest-based principled negotiation/mediation, but also develop holistic, creative third-party contributions to systemic social change.

Prerequisite: PACS 60000 and PACS 60001; and graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60003     COMMUNITY-BASED CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70003) This course is designed to expand students' knowledge of and practice competency with group- and community-level dynamics and peacebuilding techniques, giving students the skills and knowledge to turn divisive situations into strengthened and connected communities. The course begins by introducing theories of group processes, engagement and peacebuilding. It then focuses on using case studies and experiential learning to master the skills and understand the applications of group and community peacebuilding techniques. Case studies range across the areas of education, democracy, leadership, restorative justice, community conflict resolution and institutional change. Examples of topics include theories of group process, engagement, participation, efficacy, dynamics and contact; community conflict resolution process such as intergroup and race dialogue; institutional change and strategic planning including evaluation and intervention for institutions, facilitation, stakeholder identification, planning, best practices and consensus decision making, ground rules, fishbowls and debriefs; and democracy and restorative justice practices including deliberative democracy, circle process and alternatives to violence project (AVP). The final course project involves students applying these skills in partnership with a local community organization, group or neighborhood to address a community need or conflict. This course is taught in a flipped format.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Pre/corequisite: PACS 60000.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60004     ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT AND COOPERATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70004) This course examines organizational conflict, cooperation and partnership. Whether volunteering with a community-based organization, managing a team in a highly bureaucratized institution, joining a student group or organizing a coalition, navigating organizational dynamics (culture) and building and managing collaborations and partnerships are challenging tasks that require understanding differences, coping with power relations and transforming conflicts. Throughout this course, students explore types of organizational interactions, nature and source of organizational conflict, organizational culture and collaboration, power dynamics, decision making and problem solving in organizations.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60005     PEACE, CONFLICT AND DEVELOPMENT: LOCAL-GLOBAL DYNAMICS      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70005) This course explores the relationships between peace, conflict and development. It covers key concepts, theories and approaches to understanding and addressing the nexus between peace, conflict and development. Students critically review relevant theoretical and policy literature and apply them to real-world case studies as part of participatory skill-building exercises. The course starts with an overview of essential development theories, models and actors of development practice. It examines relevant scholarly and policy debates of conflict-development links; the political economy of conflict and (uneven) development; relevant security issues (e.g., small arms proliferation, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), security sector reform (SSR)); the relationships between natural resources, livelihoods and conflict; the roles of gender and youth in conflict and development; measures of effective development in conflict-affected societies; and development alternatives, as well as emerging critical debates about alternatives to development.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Pre/corequisite: PACS 60000.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60006     POST-CONFLICT PEACEBUILDING      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70006) Throughout the course of the past decade, peacebuilding has become the concept du jour of not only the field of conflict resolution and peace studies, but of the larger fields of international relations, development studies, transitional justice and a host of other subfields and portions of area studies. This is partly due to the fact that peacebuilding has become somewhat of a monster, enveloping and consuming different approaches to conflict resolution, international relations and development studies to the point that almost any activity addressing those involved or suffering from conflicts can be included under its umbrella. However, given that the concept was originally coined to help address the tasks necessary to implement peace, this course largely, though not wholly, focuses on post-conflict peacebuilding and how different actors at different levels have roles to play in achieving sustainable peace within communities, regions and states. The course examines the concepts that make up peacebuilding, manners in which peacebuilding efforts have been implemented by actors at multiple levels and problems associated with dominant approaches to the topic.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60007     PRAXIS IN CONFLICT-SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70007) This course enables students to build the practical skills necessary to advance socially responsible and sustainable development across conflict-affected societies and regions. A key concept explored throughout the course is conflict sensitivity — a sustained, iterative process of analyzing social conflict as a context of development work; understanding the interactions between the context and the development intervention; and making use of the understanding to maximize positive program impacts and minimize negative impacts. Students apply a range of theories to skill-building exercises to learn how to practice conflict-sensitive development. Through these experiential exercises, students think through the entirety of the development program cycle, from needs assessment to proposal development, fundraising, program implementation, capacity building, report writing, monitoring and evaluation and project phaseout. During each of these steps, students examine how to practice cultural sensitivity, stakeholder inclusion, local ownership and sustainability in a context-specific, adaptive manner. Case studies highlight essential themes selected from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a United Nations sponsored list of 17 development goals such as poverty alleviation, food security, health, education, gender equity and climate change action. The course also opens dialogue about how to go beyond the conventional framework of conflict sensitivity to realize conflict-transformative development.

Prerequisite: PACS 60000; and graduate standing.

Pre/corequisite: PACS 60005.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60009     LEADERSHIP FOR PEACEFUL CHANGE      3 Credit Hours

This course introduces a series of group discussions and experiential learning exercises designed to enable students to critically reflect on the lessons from their preceding coursework, gain additional practitioner skills and prepare for a career in the field. The experiential learning exercises include a multi-stakeholder simulation in which student teams make use of their skills to examine and address the complexity of real-world challenges. The themes explored throughout the seminar are: (1) collaborative, inclusive and ethical leadership capable of empowering people and groups to realize peaceful social change, (2) crisis management of unexpected events and security challenges, (3) integrative thinking to draw upon diverse theories, methods and skills, (4) the ability to develop theory-informed practices and advance theories derived from practical experiences to demonstrate adaptive leadership, and (5) illustrative examples of, perspectives on and planning for career development, life-work balance and self-care, all of which are essential for building successful careers in the field.

Prerequisite: PACS 60000; and graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60020     IDENTITY DRIVEN CONFLICTS      3 Credit Hours

(Cross-listed with POL 60903)(Slashed with POL 70903) Explores the roles played by ethnicity, race, religion, culture and other elements of identity in the generation, resolution and conduct of conflicts within and between groups. Physical and symbolic markers of difference are examined in order to understand both why groups differentiate themselves from one another and how mechanisms such as skin color, religious affiliation, ethnic background or cultural traditions can provide the impetus for conflict or the grounds for resolution.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Pre/corequisite: PACS 60000.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60021     POWER, CONFLICT AND THE POLITICS OF GENDER      3 Credit Hours

(Cross-listed with POL 60902)(Slashed with POL 70902) Examines power disparities and gender as sources of conflict in multiple arenas—including family, community, workplace and the political sphere. The intersections of gender and power in the generation and resolution of social conflicts are examined. Emphases is placed on empowerment strategies and tactics used to transform gendered conflicts and redress power imbalances.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60022     SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND NONVIOLENT CONFLICTS      3 Credit Hours

(Cross-listed with POL 60904)(Slashed with POL 70904) The waging and escalating of conflicts by social movements through nonviolent actions frequently shifts conflicts from one stage to another while also contributing to conflict transformation and to substantive social and political changes. Course focuses on social movement theories and practices, and on the complicated dynamics of nonviolent action campaigns waged by social movements.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60023     PEACE PSYCHOLOGY      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70023) This course provides students with an introduction to the concepts of peace psychology and how these concepts relate to wider themes of the peace and conflict studies field, including positive and negative peace, conflict resolution and reconciliation. During the course, students investigate the micro-level psychological foundations for peace and conflict (e.g., power and emotions) and group- and national-level dynamics. During each class, a variety of psychological approaches, from neuroscience to political psychology, are discussed. This course is highly interactive, focusing on experiential learning and education. This means students should be prepared to participate during discussions, simulations and presentations. Collaborative work and case studies help students develop their ability to apply and assess peace psychology theories. Students also have opportunities to personalize course content and assignments to support their learning and research interests.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60024     VISUAL METHODS FOR PEACE AND CHANGE      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70024) Visual methods are critically important in making and understanding democratic peaceful change. This course explores three intersecting bodies of knowledge: methods and practices of visual studies, global approaches to film as a means of social change and theories and approaches to peace and conflict studies. A focus is on interdisciplinary scholarly methods for understanding visual materials.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60040     FACILITATION AND TRAINING: DESIGN AND PRACTICE      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70040) This course is designed to teach fundamental practices of peacebuilding in group settings. This includes learning how to facilitate meetings; set agendas; de-escalate and facilitate group-level conversations; run conflict management trainings; and build other practical, hands-on skills. All skills of this course are transferrable across a variety of careers and situations. This course incorporates experiential learning both inside and outside the classroom, with students taking the lead in facilitating class discussions and joining in community projects.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60041     PEACE EDUCATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70041) This course explores the interdisciplinary concepts, theories and practices that provide a global overview of peace education. The course offers an overview of the history, scholarship and practices of peace education, addressing a variety of international structures, organizations and individuals engaged in its practice. A range of concerns are investigated, including war; genocide; climate change; economic disparities; and the marginalization of minorities based upon race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, culture and other categories of difference. Theories of positive peace, conflict resolution, restorative justice, liberation pedagogy and experiential education are also introduced.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60042     PUBLIC SECTOR CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70042) This course examines the many ways that conflict and decision making are made in the public sector. Some methods of public interaction and decision making are familiar and well studied. Others are less so, despite their increasing use in a variety of policy domains and other circumstances. Such is the case with conflict resolution, which is now broadly used across the United States and internationally on multiple levels and by multiple groups with differing aims. This course explores the varied applications of conflict resolution principles to public policy, including negotiated rule making, public sector dispute resolution, mediation, collaborative problem solving, democratic governance, community-based planning and consensus building.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60070     CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND RECONCILIATION      3 Credit Hours

(Cross-listed with POL 60507)(Slashed with POL 70507) Throughout the past 30 years, many states and societies have negotiated complicated transitions from authoritarianism, widespread human rights violations and intractable civil conflict toward various degrees of justice, truth-telling, reconciliation and democracy. Some have done it well and some have not; policy certainly matters in this politically potent arena. For example, political memory and accountability may be swept under the public rug—doing so may, or may not, trip up an experiment in democracy. Alternatively, truth-telling and justice may, or may not, be a springboard for reconciliation, healing and citizen empowerment. In this course, we focus on the policies and mechanisms used to constructively confront impunity and come to terms with past horrors. We analyze various international institutions like war crimes tribunals and truth commissions and various local mechanisms like Rwanda’s Gacaca courts. We also study the differing roles of reparations paid to victims for past injustices, amnesties granted to former government officials, immunity being traded for truth-telling about the past and the impacts of commemoration and memorialization.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60071     SOCIETY, TECHNOLOGY AND SECURITY      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70071) This course engages with current debates about the relationship between society, technology, peace and security, focusing particularly on military and dual-use technologies. The course begins by analyzing the literature of how technology shapes societies and societies shape technology. This includes consideration of the way societies influence the emergence and application of particular technologies and how understandings of military technological categories (e.g., pariah weapons, precision weapons) have been socially constructed. The module then examines how states and societies have responded to the policy and governance challenges presented by the development and trade of established weapon categories. This includes analysis of the history of disarmament initiatives, movements and agreements as well as the new field of ‘humanitarian disarmament’. It also includes examination of recent initiatives aimed at limiting weapons proliferation and armed violence in conflict-ridden societies. The remainder of the course is devoted to exploring the legal, normative and policy debates about the use of modern and emerging technologies. This includes examination of the governance implications of new developments in fields such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, cyberwarfare and drones.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60072     ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND CONFLICT      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 70072) This course examines the varied theoretical and policy challenges involved in addressing the intersection between changes in the environment; the governance and sustainability of natural resources and ecosystems; and the prevention, management and resolution of conflict. It traces the history and development of environmental security and peacebuilding, building a solid foundation of key theories, terminology and concepts, such as the relationship between natural resources and conflict (including scarcity vs. abundance, access and governance); redefinition of security and securitization of the environment; slow- vs. sudden-onset climate change and displacement; and environmental cooperation of peacekeeping, peacemaking, peacebuilding and contemporary conflict resolution. Students have a working knowledge of important international laws and policies governing the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflict and engage in critical discussions at the intersection of conflict issues and trends of environmental change, such as green militarization and small arms proliferation, environmental crimes and surveillance, fortress conservation and conservation conflicts, the role of gender and youth, human rights and environmental defenders, climate justice and conflict-sensitive climate adaptation. Students apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course to the development of environmental security assessments, peace and conflict impact assessments and foresight analyses.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60099     INTERVENTION DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      6 Credit Hours

This course provides students with an experiential opportunity to integrate theoretical and classroom work with conflict analysis and intervention work in a variety of real-world projects. Each session provides students the opportunity to work on a project where they will engage in intervention design, planning and research and practice implementation activities under faculty guidance.

Prerequisite: PACS 60000 and POL 60010; and graduate standing.

Corequisite: PACS 60009.

Schedule Type: Project or Capstone

Contact Hours: 6 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 60192     INTERNSHIP IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      3-6 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Students work as interns with an organization, group or business, utilizing and enhancing their skills in applied peace studies. The student also typically provides a journal of the experience, as well as a written analysis comparing the practice of the internship to an example of recent scholarship in the field.

Prerequisite: PACS 60000 and PACS 60001; and graduate standing; and special approval.

Corequisite: PACS 60009.

Schedule Type: Practical Experience

Contact Hours: 9-18 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP

PACS 60199     THESIS I      2-6 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Thesis students must register for a total of 6 credit hours, 2 to 6 in a single semester, distributed over several semesters if desired.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Pre/corequisite: PACS 60001 and POL 60010.

Schedule Type: Masters Thesis

Contact Hours: 6-18 other

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory-IP

PACS 60299     THESIS II      2 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Thesis II students must continue registration each semester until all degree requirements are met.

Prerequisite: PACS 60199; and graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Masters Thesis

Contact Hours: 6 other

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory-IP

PACS 61096     INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Individualized program of study and literature review of area of particular interest to the student.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Individual Investigation

Contact Hours: 3-9 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 61098     RESEARCH IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      1-6 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Individualized, faculty-directed research project. Credit hours may be applied toward meeting degree requirements with department approval.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Research

Contact Hours: 3-18 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70001     ADVANCED NEGOTIATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60001) Conflict and negotiation are normal and unavoidable parts of life. This course goes beyond basic negation concepts like principled negotiation, focusing on topics including the psychology of negotiation, power, international relations, technology and other advanced topics. The course covers issues of information asymmetry; power; ethics; and multi-party, iterative and collaborative negotiations. Research of negotiation and prior case studies are used to illustrate topics. This course is highly interactive, focusing on experiential learning and education. Evaluation of performance includes experiential exams, reflection papers and written understanding and analysis of real-world negotiations. Simulations and games are used during class frequently to illustrate concepts.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70002     ADVANCED MEDIATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60002) This course provides students with a conceptual understanding of mediation as well as practical mediation skills. It enables them to work as intermediaries who can assist conflict parties to reflect on the sources and dynamics of their conflict; develop mutually acceptable solutions; and foster constructive, sustainable relationships. The course starts with essential concepts and skills for mediating small-scale interpersonal conflicts. It then addresses more complex intergroup, multiparty conflicts as well as deep-rooted structural conflicts. Through class discussions of readings and simulation exercises, students tackle questions such as how to work with conflicts in which there are many competing issues, goals and priorities involved; how to mediate enduring, intractable conflicts about identity, value and social structure; and how to respond to serious ethical dilemmas and power asymmetry. To meet these challenges, students not only critique the popularized framework of interest-based principled negotiation/mediation, but also develop holistic, creative third-party contributions to systemic social change.

Prerequisite: PACS 70001; and doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70003     COMMUNITY-BASED CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60003) This course is designed to expand students' knowledge of and practice competency with group- and community-level dynamics and peacebuilding techniques, giving students the skills and knowledge to turn divisive situations into strengthened and connected communities. The course begins by introducing theories of group processes, engagement and peacebuilding. It then focuses on using case studies and experiential learning to master the skills and understand the applications of group and community peacebuilding techniques. Case studies range across the areas of education, democracy, leadership, restorative justice, community conflict resolution and institutional change. Examples of topics include theories of group process, engagement, participation, efficacy, dynamics and contact; community conflict resolution process such as intergroup and race dialogue; institutional change and strategic planning including evaluation and intervention for institutions, facilitation, stakeholder identification, planning, best practices and consensus decision making, ground rules, fishbowls and debriefs; and democracy and restorative justice practices including deliberative democracy, circle process and alternatives to violence project (AVP). The final course project involves students applying these skills in partnership with a local community organization, group or neighborhood to address a community need or conflict. This course is taught in a flipped format.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70004     ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT AND COOPERATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60004) This course examines organizational conflict, cooperation and partnership. Whether volunteering with a community-based organization, managing a team in a highly bureaucratized institution, joining a student group or organizing a coalition, navigating organizational dynamics (culture) and building and managing collaborations and partnerships are challenging tasks that require understanding differences, coping with power relations and transforming conflicts. Throughout this course, students explore types of organizational interactions, nature and source of organizational conflict, organizational culture and collaboration, power dynamics, decision making and problem solving in organizations.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70005     PEACE, CONFLICT AND DEVELOPMENT: LOCAL-GLOBAL DYNAMICS      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60005) This course explores the relationships between peace, conflict and development. It covers key concepts, theories and approaches to understanding and addressing the nexus between peace, conflict and development. Students critically review relevant theoretical and policy literature and apply them to real-world case studies as part of participatory skill-building exercises. The course starts with an overview of essential development theories, models and actors of development practice. It examines relevant scholarly and policy debates of conflict-development links; the political economy of conflict and (uneven) development; relevant security issues (e.g., small arms proliferation, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), security sector reform (SSR)); the relationships between natural resources, livelihoods and conflict; the roles of gender and youth in conflict and development; measures of effective development in conflict-affected societies; and development alternatives, as well as emerging critical debates about alternatives to development.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70006     POST-CONFLICT PEACEBUILDING      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60006) Throughout the course of the past decade, peacebuilding has become the concept du jour of not only the field of conflict resolution and peace studies, but of the larger fields of international relations, development studies, transitional justice and a host of other subfields and portions of area studies. This is partly due to the fact that peacebuilding has become somewhat of a monster, enveloping and consuming different approaches to conflict resolution, international relations and development studies to the point that almost any activity addressing those involved or suffering from conflicts can be included under its umbrella. However, given that the concept was originally coined to help address the tasks necessary to implement peace, this course largely, though not wholly, focuses on post-conflict peacebuilding and how different actors at different levels have roles to play in achieving sustainable peace within communities, regions and states. The course examines the concepts that make up peacebuilding, manners in which peacebuilding efforts have been implemented by actors at multiple levels and problems associated with dominant approaches to the topic.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70007     PRAXIS IN CONFLICT-SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60007) This course enables students to build the practical skills necessary to advance socially responsible and sustainable development across conflict-affected societies and regions. A key concept explored throughout the course is conflict sensitivity — a sustained, iterative process of analyzing social conflict as a context of development work; understanding the interactions between the context and the development intervention; and making use of the understanding to maximize positive program impacts and minimize negative impacts. Students apply a range of theories to skill-building exercises to learn how to practice conflict-sensitive development. Through these experiential exercises, students think through the entirety of the development program cycle, from needs assessment to proposal development, fundraising, program implementation, capacity building, report writing, monitoring and evaluation and project phaseout. During each of these steps, students examine how to practice cultural sensitivity, stakeholder inclusion, local ownership and sustainability in a context-specific, adaptive manner. Case studies highlight essential themes selected from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a United Nations sponsored list of 17 development goals such as poverty alleviation, food security, health, education, gender equity and climate change action. The course also opens dialogue about how to go beyond the conventional framework of conflict sensitivity to realize conflict-transformative development.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Pre/corequisite: PACS 70005.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70023     PEACE PSYCHOLOGY      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60023) This course provides students with an introduction to the concepts of peace psychology and how these concepts relate to wider themes of the peace and conflict studies field, including positive and negative peace, conflict resolution and reconciliation. During the course, students investigate the micro-level psychological foundations for peace and conflict (e.g., power and emotions) and group- and national-level dynamics. During each class, a variety of psychological approaches, from neuroscience to political psychology, are discussed. This course is highly interactive, focusing on experiential learning and education. This means students should be prepared to participate during discussions, simulations and presentations. Collaborative work and case studies help students develop their ability to apply and assess peace psychology theories. Students also have opportunities to personalize course content and assignments to support their learning and research interests.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70024     VISUAL METHODS FOR PEACE AND CHANGE      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60024) Visual methods are critically important in making and understanding democratic peaceful change. This course explores three intersecting bodies of knowledge: methods and practices of visual studies, global approaches to film as a means of social change and theories and approaches to peace and conflict studies. A focus is on interdisciplinary scholarly methods for understanding visual materials.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70040     FACILITATION AND TRAINING: DESIGN AND PRACTICE      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60040) This course is designed to teach fundamental practices of peacebuilding in group settings. This includes learning how to facilitate meetings; set agendas; de-escalate and facilitate group-level conversations; run conflict management trainings; and build other practical, hands-on skills. All skills of this course are transferrable across a variety of careers and situations. This course incorporates experiential learning both inside and outside the classroom, with students taking the lead in facilitating class discussions and joining in community projects.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70041     PEACE EDUCATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60041) This course explores the interdisciplinary concepts, theories and practices that provide a global overview of peace education. The course offers an overview of the history, scholarship and practices of peace education, addressing a variety of international structures, organizations and individuals engaged in its practice. A range of concerns are investigated, including war; genocide; climate change; economic disparities; and the marginalization of minorities based upon race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, culture and other categories of difference. Theories of positive peace, conflict resolution, restorative justice, liberation pedagogy and experiential education are also introduced.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70042     PUBLIC SECTOR CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60042) This course examines the many ways that conflict and decision making are made in the public sector. Some methods of public interaction and decision making are familiar and well studied. Others are less so, despite their increasing use in a variety of policy domains and other circumstances. Such is the case with conflict resolution, which is now broadly used across the United States and internationally on multiple levels and by multiple groups with differing aims. This course explores the varied applications of conflict resolution principles to public policy, including negotiated rule making, public sector dispute resolution, mediation, collaborative problem solving, democratic governance, community-based planning and consensus building.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70071     SOCIETY, TECHNOLOGY AND SECURITY      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60071) This course engages with current debates about the relationship between society, technology, peace and security, focusing particularly on military and dual-use technologies. The course begins by analyzing the literature of how technology shapes societies and societies shape technology. This includes consideration of the way societies influence the emergence and application of particular technologies and how understandings of military technological categories (e.g., pariah weapons, precision weapons) have been socially constructed. The module then examines how states and societies have responded to the policy and governance challenges presented by the development and trade of established weapon categories. This includes analysis of the history of disarmament initiatives, movements and agreements as well as the new field of ‘humanitarian disarmament’. It also includes examination of recent initiatives aimed at limiting weapons proliferation and armed violence in conflict-ridden societies. The remainder of the course is devoted to exploring the legal, normative and policy debates about the use of modern and emerging technologies. This includes examination of the governance implications of new developments in fields such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, cyberwarfare and drones.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 70072     ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND CONFLICT      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with PACS 60072) This course examines the varied theoretical and policy challenges involved in addressing the intersection between changes in the environment; the governance and sustainability of natural resources and ecosystems; and the prevention, management and resolution of conflict. It traces the history and development of environmental security and peacebuilding, building a solid foundation of key theories, terminology and concepts, such as the relationship between natural resources and conflict (including scarcity vs. abundance, access and governance); redefinition of security and securitization of the environment; slow- vs. sudden-onset climate change and displacement; and environmental cooperation of peacekeeping, peacemaking, peacebuilding and contemporary conflict resolution. Students have a working knowledge of important international laws and policies governing the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflict and engage in critical discussions at the intersection of conflict issues and trends of environmental change, such as green militarization and small arms proliferation, environmental crimes and surveillance, fortress conservation and conservation conflicts, the role of gender and youth, human rights and environmental defenders, climate justice and conflict-sensitive climate adaptation. Students apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course to the development of environmental security assessments, peace and conflict impact assessments and foresight analyses.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 81096     INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Individualized program of study and literature review of area of particular interest to the student.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Individual Investigation

Contact Hours: 3-9 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PACS 81098     RESEARCH IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES      1-6 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Individualized, faculty-directed research project. Credit hours may be applied toward meeting degree requirements with department approval.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Research

Contact Hours: 3-18 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter