Peace Studies Course Descriptions

PEAC 200 - Introduction to Peace Studies

Credits: (3)
Instructional Method: Three hours lecture.
Overview of the main issues and various interdisciplinary approaches to the study of peace. Introduction to alternative paradigms for peace from local and interpersonal peace to global peace. Introduction to a variety of peace orientations, including environmental, cultural, and governmental approaches.
Note(s): This course has been approved for Core Curriculum credit in Global Perspectives. Also designated as a Scholar-Citizen course, which emphasizes experiential learning.

PEAC 280: Introduction to the Concepts, Process and Practice of Mindfulness

Credits: (3)
Instructional Method: Three hours interactive seminar
Prerequisites: None
Cross-listed: COED 280
This course is an interactive, collaborative learning experience that provides students with the opening to explore accessible techniques ranging from mindful awareness in sitting, walking, eating, and resting that may enhance their ability to have greater concentration, focus, and well-being. The development of self-awareness is threaded throughout the course with reflective and personal growth opportunities. The course provides an opportunity to develop and integrate a personal mindfulness practice. If practiced consistently, the results are real and very far-reaching. In the largest sense, mindfulness meditation allows you to live in harmony with the realities of the world—to embrace life's ever-changing impermanence, to live in equanimity with the inevitable ups and downs of being human, and to feel deeply connected to the whole of life. The course consists of readings, brief lectures, small group discussions, journal work, and self-observation practices in home and class settings.

PEAC 300 – Special Topics in Peace Studies

Credits: (3)
Instructional Method: Three hours seminar.
Prerequisites: PEAC 200 or permission of instructor.
Concentrated study on specific areas (for example, non-violence: theory, practice, and advocates; environmental peace, sustainability, and development; women peace makers and their plight for equality; inner peace building and contemplative practices) in Peace Studies. May be taken for credit as often as course content varies. Content will be approved by the Peace Studies Advisory Committee.

PEAC 489 - Independent Study

Credits: (1-6)
Instructional Method: 1 to 6 hours of independent study
Prerequisites: PEAC 200 or permission of the student’s faculty mentor.
Student works closely with one member of the department who defines the requirements for the course which vary among instructors. A topic of study is defined and the student works, largely independently, through the semester to research and report on the topic.

PEAC 499 – Senior Portfolio

Credits: (1)
Prerequisites: Enrollment in Peace Studies minor, senior standing.
Serves as the required capstone experience for students minoring in Peace Studies. Students will prepare a Senior Portfolio of work produced in previous courses and revised under the direction of the faculty mentor to demonstrate competence in the learning outcomes for the Peace Studies minor. Students will prepare a public presentation of one of these examples of work.