PACS Course Descriptions

The seven courses described below make-up the PACS core of 21 credits along with the three credit experiential learning requirement met by a practicum or internship.  The descriptions of the sphere courses can be found on the websites of their respective disciplines.

THEO 227 Theology, Violence and Non-Violence (3)

Examines how core Christian beliefs and moral teachings relate to the issues of violence and non-violence.  Meets General Education Christian Beliefs requirement.  Prerequisite:  BIBL 201, BIBL 202, BIBL 203, or BIBL 204.

BIBL 291 Issues of War, Peace, and Social Justice in the Biblical Texts (3)

A study of the major Biblical texts pertaining to war, peace, and social justice issues, with attention to their application past and present. This course assesses the traditional Christian stances toward war and also deals with more recent developments such as terrorism, pre-emptive strike, nonviolent resistance, and active peacemaking, all from a biblical perspective.  It also explores related issues like the relationships between patriotism, military service, nationalism, and Christian citizenship in the kingdom of God.  Prerequisite:  BIBL 201, 202, 203, or 204.

PACS 201 Basic Conflict Mediation

This course provides instruction in such essential skills as empathetic–communication, active listening, productive questioning, managing group dynamics, consensus building, and collaborative problem solving. An understanding of the sources of conflict, coupled with knowledge of conflict styles, enhances the ability to resolve disputes and enables the conflict specialist to work in a variety of settings. This course also provides an overview of the theoretical and practical aspects of the mediation process. It involves learning a step-by-step process to conduct mediations and practice fundamental dispute resolution skills, such as listening, reframing, summarizing, problem-solving, and creating a safe, non-threatening environment. Offered Spring Semester intermittently.

HIST 248 War, Peace, Memory in America (3)

This course offers a study of how the experience of war has shaped Americans' identities and definitions of citizenship. Themes include the incorporation of women into the military, gender roles, propaganda, PTS(D) and its precursors, veteran studies, and social movements for peace. Readings provide an investigation into how wars that Americans have fought are remembered in the collective memory, whether through national narratives, in the media, or in popular culture. These address whose histories are remembered and forgotten, the ways myths of war are created for political purpose, definitions of heroism, and how memories of war shift over time. Offered spring semester intermittently.

SOAN 335 Social Conflict and Reconciliation (3)

A study of social conflict and strategies for preventing and resolving destructive conflicts.  Particular attention will be given to ethical and moral perspectives on justice, conflict and conflict resolution.  This course will draw on literature and perspectives from sociology, philosophical and theological ethics, and peace and conflict studies.  The course will include case studies and “hands-on” exercises to develop skills for resolving personal and group conflict.  Meets General Education Ethics in the Modern World requirement.

POLI 336 Causes of War (3)

Investigates the causes of war through the lens of social science and consider political policies designed to manage and mediate violence. Topics include interstate wars, civil conflicts, peacekeeping operations, and crisis negotiations. At the end of the course, students will present a quantitative case study or research design applying one of the theoretical frameworks of the course, in a format suitable for a policy audience. Prerequisite: IDCR 151.

PACS 495 Senior Seminar in Peace and Conflict Studies (3)

The capstone course for the PACS major is particularly important because it will enable students to integrate their inter-disciplinary study, their PACS studies, and their Christian faith. The opportunities and challenges of pursuing PACS as a vocation will be examined, and students will engage in independent research and writing which explores a personal area of interest relevant to PACS.