Peace and Conflict Studies

The Peace and Conflict Studies program prepares students and potential civic leaders with peacemaking and conflict management skills. Students preparing for careers involving management, mediation, conflict resolution, and negotiation often find Peace and Conflict Studies helpful both in their personal and professional aspirations. The minor in Peace and Conflict Studies and Special Certificate in Peace Building and Mediation are open to all students on campus, and provide an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of conflict, violence, war and mediation.

Requirements for the Minor

A total of 21 units, which will include:

1. 15 units from the Areas of Study. It is strongly recommended that 3 units be taken from each of the five Areas of Study. However, four out of the five areas must be covered.
2. PAX 185I - Internship (3 units) or PAX 190 - Independent Study (3 units).
3. PAX 100. Peace and Conflict (3 units)
   Provides an overview of causes and types of conflict, critical examination of issues related to war, peace, and justice.
4. The minor also requires a minimum 2.0 GPA and six upper-division units in residence.
5. Courses also can fulfill General Education requirements as appropriate.

Areas of Study

AREA I - Personal and Interpersonal Issues
SOC 162, 165, 168; COMM 108, 162; PHIL 10, 157; PSYCH 61

AREA II - Community and Social Issues
ANTH 120; AFRS 144; CRIM 140; CLAS 128; ECON 140; ISC 93; SOC 111; PHIL 120, 125W; PLSI 116; WS 108, 116

AREA III - International and Global Issues
AGBS 140; AFRS 150; BA 174; ECON 114, 179; GEOG 163; HIST 105; PLSI 120, 121, 122, 125; SOC 157

AREA IV - Conflict Management
AGBS 117; BA 156; HIST 166, 185; HRM 152; PLSI 126; COMM 164, 169

AREA V - Education for Peace and Nonviolence
AFRS 145; KINES 111; PHIL 131; SOC 122

A Special Certificate in Peace Building and Mediation are open to all students on campus, and provide an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of conflict, violence, war and mediation.  Contact Dr. Veena Howard for advising or questions: vehoward@csufresno.edu.

Dr. Veena Howard on the Spirit Matters Podcast

Fresno State Philosophy Professor Veena Howard, an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Fresno State, teaches and researches Asian religious traditions, Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, animal ethics, interfaith interactions among Hindus and Muslims, and gender issues in Indian philosophy.

The author of Gandhi’s Ascetic Activism: Renunciation and Social Change, she has also translated several books and published articles in professional journals. She is currently editing a book on religions of India. Dr. Howard is committed to reviving indigenous spiritual and ethical approaches to connect personal transformation and social change. Spirit Matters spoke about her research on Gandhi’s spirituality and social activism. Listen to the podcast.