Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS)

PACS 2500 (3) Introduction to Peace, Conflict and Security Studies

Introduces the related fields of peace, conflict and security studies. Examines causes and dynamics of conflict and violence (interpersonal to global). Examines theory and research concerning peace movements, conflict resolution and security institutions. Explores career options in related fields.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-Global Perspective
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

PACS 3540 (3) Migration, Human Rights, and Conflict in the Mediterranean

Faculty-led Global Seminar, based in Malta, provides the opportunity to study social, political, and economic issues surrounding international migration, Focuses on causes and consequences of recent migration flows from nations in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa to European nations located in the Eastern Mediterranean. Students will interact with representatives of state governments, NGOs, and activist groups, and learn about the rich culture and history of Malta as a pivotal state promoting international diplomacy and regional security.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: IAFS 3540
Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of PACS 2500 (minimum grade C-).
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-Global Perspective

PACS 3700 (3) Communication and Conflict Management

Examines interdisciplinary concepts and theories enabling students to better understand different types of conflict, sources of conflict, and communication patterns that serve to create, maintain and transform conflict. Teaches practical skills in conflict management areas such as bargaining, facilitation, mediation and negotiation.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: COMM 3700
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Recommended: Prerequisite PACS 2500.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

PACS 3800 (3) Security Studies

Provides an introduction to the academic field of "Security Studies". Focuses on motives, institutions and processes associated with societal defense against threats posed to cherished possessions and the pursuit of stable, autonomous and prosperous existence. Reviews related theoretical traditions associated with militarism, war and conflict. Covers key concerns of (in-)security in post 9/11 global society, including surveillance, terrorism, genocide and insurgency.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

PACS 3850 (3) International Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding

Provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of international conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Provides tools for analyzing and intervening in contemporary manifestations of violent social conflict. Argues for an approach to international affairs rooted in more nuanced understandings of the nature of violent conflict and its dynamics. Bases the quest to build sustainable peace not on military supremacy or coercive diplomacy, but rather the ability of states and peoples to work collaboratively to develop mutually beneficial solutions aimed at the satisfaction of basic needs, collective security, political representation, and respect for human dignity. Explores how international conflicts are mitigated, contained, and resolved through processes such as DDR (disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration), citizen diplomacy, and reconciliation.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: IAFS 3850
Recommended: Prerequisite PACS 2500.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-Global Perspective

PACS 3860 (3) Environmental Conflict and Conflict Resolution

This course focuses on the environment as a source of conflict in international and intranational contexts. Considers natural resource scarcity and extraction as causes of conflict and violence, the growing phenomenon of climate-change-induced migration, as well as the effects of war on the environment. Prospects for conflict intervention involving multiparty stakeholders, international cooperation, and environmentally sustainable development practices are explored as methods for resolving these situations.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

PACS 3870 (3) Nonviolent Civil Resistance: Movements and Strategies

Explores the development of nonviolent practices for creating social change. Examines cases from around the globe, both historical and contemporary, to understand the reasons actors form social movements, as well choices in tactics and strategies associated with nonviolent civil resistance to achieve their aims. Special attention is paid to the relationship between community organizing, social movement activism, and nonviolent revolution.

Recommended: Prerequisite PACS 2500.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

PACS 4000 (3) Special Topics in Peace, Conflict and Security Studies

Upper division umbrella seminar spanning a variety of topics relevant to the study of peace, conflict and security related issues. Subjects addressed under this heading vary according to student interest and faculty availability.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours.
Recommended: Prerequisite PACS 2500, PACS 3700 or PACS 3850.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

PACS 4100 (3) Managing Organizational Conflict

This course introduces students to organizational conflict from a leadership perspective, the facilitative role leaders play in conflict intervention, and how leadership styles can affect organizational dynamics. Engaging with conflict productively requires leaders to recognize relational and structural factors that generate conflict. Leaders must guide difficult conversations and manage a range of situations. This includes challenges such as working in teams, remote/hybrid formats, cultural dimensions, and those related to gender discrimination and racial harassment.

Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Recommended: Prerequisite PACS 3700 or PACS 3860.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

PACS 4150 (3) Mediation Skills

This 3-credit seminar trains students in facilitative mediation. The essential skills learned in this course are for anyone interested in helping people navigate, manage, and resolve conflicts in personal and professional settings. Students will engage in hands-on, experiential learning, participating in role plays and other exercises designed to teach them the basics of mediation as well as how to strengthen their communication and listening skills while working with those experiencing conflict. Formerly offered as a special topics course.

Recommended: Prerequisite PACS 3700.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

PACS 4500 (3) Senior Seminar: Research in Conflict Contexts

Course prepares students interested in working in the field of peace, conflict, and security studies with necessary research skills to navigate conflict contexts and collaborate with conflict-affected populations. Students conduct in-depth research projects, and develop data collection and analysis skills, specifically focusing on interviews, surveys, and secondary sources. Emphasizes use of critical thinking skills in writing, presentations, and class discussion, as well as explores ethical considerations faced in conflict zones.

Recommended: Prerequisite course of PACS 2500, PACS 3700, PACS 3850, or PACS 3860 (minimum grade C-).
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

PACS 4900 (3) Undergraduate Independent Study

Provides opportunities for independent study at the upper-division undergraduate level. Students work on research or a creative project guided by PACS faculty. May only be taken once for 3 credit hours. Department consent required prior to registration.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of PACS 2500 and PACS 3700 or PACS 3850 (minimum grade C). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Junior or Seniors).
Recommended: Prerequisite C average or higher in all PACS coursework and enrollment in the PACS Certificate Program.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade