Peace and Conflict Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies: Concentration

Peace and Conflict Studies combines an in-depth study on the causes of war and social conflict, and ways of preventing and ending them. You will address crucial challenges of the contemporary world and develop the knowledge and skills necessary for effective citizenship in the post-Cold War world.

With a commitment to peace, you will examine issues of national and international security and the common causes of conflict such as economic disparities and religious, ethnic, racial or gender discrimination. You will develop an understanding and awareness of the responsibility of citizenship in an age of nuclear weapons; regional, ethnic and religious conflicts; environmental deterioration; and global economic interdependence. This responsibility to construct alternatives to war and violence and to foster a just and peaceful world is integral to personal development, education and civic life. The Peace and Conflict Studies concentration will enhance your capacity for global citizenship, whatever your major and whatever career you may choose.

Program Highlights

Students in the Peace and Conflict Studies program will learn to:

  • Understand concepts fundamental to the study of peace and conflict.
  • Recognize how different values (cultural, religious and philosophical) inform conflict and conflict resolution.
  • Closely examine large-scale conflicts and their consequences.
  • Critically evaluate the factors underlying structural violence (i.e., inequitable social arrangements and their impact on people).
  • Analyze the lived experiences and perspectives of people involved in conflicts and efforts at reconciliation.
  • Assess peace and conflict from the perspective of multiple disciplines and integrate different disciplinary approaches.
  • Develop their capacity for self-awareness and recognize how their actions, or inaction, have implications for peace and conflict.
  • Within the Peace and Conflict Studies concentration, students in class years 2021 and later can now pursue a Social Justice Track.
Professor and a student
Research

Study the causes of war and conflict and ways it can be prevented or peacefully resolved.

Individuals sitting at tables in the Hogan Ballroom
Programming

Hear a diverse range of perspectives, from academic experts to affected populations like asylees.

Student sitting in a professor's office
Sample Courses

As an interdisciplinary program, you can take courses from many different departments.

Peace and Conflict Studies News

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Three 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Alumni Help to Bring Murals to Downtown Worcester
This summer, POW!WOW! Worcester, a 10-day mural festival committed to making Worcester a more culturally dynamic place by activating spaces, engaging in the arts, and generating pride in the downtown area, heavily involved the work of three 17³Ô¹ÏÍø alumni: …
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17³Ô¹ÏÍø Produces Seven Fulbright Scholars
Six members of the Class of 2016 and one member of the Class of 2014 have been awarded Fulbright grants to teach and conduct research around the world during the 2016-17 academic year. Since 2005, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø has received a …
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Co-Founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Opal Tometi to Speak on Campus
In observation of Black History Month, the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø community will host a variety of discussions, film screenings, lectures, and a fashion show, planned by a range of academic departments, offices, and student organizations across campus. Opal …