Courses - Fall 2009

Fall 2009 Peace Studies Courses

PCST 111: Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies

01A Dr. Jeff Anderson
1-3-5, 11:20am-12:30pm, Simons G10

02A Dr. Kelly Kraemer
2-4-6, 11:20am-12:30pm, HAB 102B

Examination of the field of conflict (e.g., between individuals, groups and societies, within and between nations), the relationship of the roots of conflict to social concepts of gender, and the resolution of conflict through such methods as direct action, mediation, arbitration, removal of the sources of conflict through economic, social and political development. Study of examples in historical context. Fall and spring.

PCST343: Philosophies of Violence and Nonviolence

Dr. Rene McGraw
1-3-5, 1:00pm-2:10pm, Quad 353

This course looks at the way that the search for security and the claim to possession of absolute truth can lead to violence. The way of thinking involved in technology easily structures the world so that whatever does not fit into that framework is discounted and ignored and treated violently, as the philosopher Martin Heidegger shows. How does such an attitude lead to violence? Finally, the course will look at the nonviolent ethical response which the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas demands from the person who hears the call of the poor and the oppressed when they cry out against their oppression and poverty.

PCST 348: Social Movements

Dr. Ron Pagnucco
2-4-6, 1:00-2:10, HAB003

How do social movements emerge and develop? How are they organized? What are the different strategies and tactics groups use for social change? Why are some social movements successful, while others fail to have an impact? This course will attempt to answer these and other key questions about social movements and social change by examining selected social movements in the U.S. and other countries. The course will also explore the globalization of social movements.

PCST351: Women and Peace (GN)

Dr. Kelly Kraemer
1-3-5, 11:20-12:30, HAB118

This course will explore the connections between gender and peace in theory and in practice, with a special focus on the traditions of women's peace activism. We will study theories relating gendered notions of human nature to violence and peace, to militarism (and other forms of institutionalized violence) and to violence against women. We will also examine the relationships between motherhood (and fatherhood) and peace, along with connections between feminism and nonviolence. Finally, we will explore the reasons for women-only and women-centered peace groups and movements; the history of women's peace movements in the U.S. and around the world; and the links between women's peace movements, women's rights movements, men's movements, and other movements for social justice.

PCST 368: Religion, Society & Politics

Dr. Ron Pagnucco
2-4-6, 2:40-3:50, HAB003

Recent developments in the United States and other parts of the world have led observers to look closely at religious groups’ beliefs and activities concerning the state, society and sociopolitical issues like cultural diversity and war and peace. In this course we will examine the Judeo-Christian tradition and address such questions as: What is the relationship between religion and ethnicity and religion and nationalism? What is religious fundamentalism? How do various groups view their relationship with the state and the broader society? What kinds of social and political goals do religious groups have and how do they try and achieve them? We will try to answer these and other questions through the study of historical and sociological case studies and selected religious texts reflecting the range of belief and practice in the Judeo-Christian tradition.