Programs
Upper and Lower Division Distribution Requirements
Lower Division Distribution Requirement
All students are required to take Introduction to Peace and Justice Studies (PJS 101) to complete the Peace and Justice Minor. Depending on the home department of the faculty member teaching this course, PJS 101 is cross-listed as a course within that department. For example, if the faculty member teaching PJS 101 is from the History Department, PJS 101 will be cross listed as History 116 (World Civilization II). PJS 101 can be applied to your GE, major and minor requirements. For example if you are a History major and a Peace and Justice Studies minor, taking History 116 will fulfill your 3 unit History GE requirement, 3 units of your History major lower division requirement, and your 3 unit lower division Peace and Justice Studies requirement. PJS 101 is taught every fall semester by faculty from departments such as: History, Political Science, and Theology and Religious Studies. Courses that may be substituted for PJS101 include History 116 (World Civilization II), Political Science 120 (International Politics), and Religious Studies 112 (World Religions).
PJS 101
PJS101 provides historical and contemporary perspectives on the nature of conflict, the conditions of sustainable development, and strategies for global order. Students will explore the linkages among these issues as a means for understanding the obstacles to and opportunities for peace and justice. The learning objectives for PJS 101 include the following:
- To develop a greater appreciation of the multifaceted character and meanings of the terms "peace and justice."
- To develop an ability to analyze the conflicting and complementary features of peace and justice.
- To comprehend the diversity of challenges facing the peoples of the planet.
- To gain familiarity with those practices used to avoid, prevent, or otherwise regulate violent conflict.
- To enhance consciousness of the responsibilities of citizenship on the local as well as global levels.
- To gain appreciation of the roles individuals and communities can play in the promotion of peace and justice.
Upper Division Distribution Requirements
Students may satisfy the upper division distribution requirements by completing a thematic (conflict resolution, development and sustainability, international relations, or domestic justice) OR regional (Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, or North America) focus. Students may select a maximum of two courses from any single discipline in either focus. Upper division courses in the PJS minor may not be double counted in other majors and minors although they can be counted for both the PJS minor and upper division GE requirements. Honors courses or Special Topics courses not listed may count toward the minor but such courses must be approved by the Program Coordinator.
Thematic Focus
If choosing a thematic focus, select four courses from one of the following themes (no more than two courses from any single discipline). Click on on the focus topic to see the courses applicable to that particular theme.
Development and Sustainability
Regional Focus
If choosing a regional focus, select four courses from one of the following regions (no more than two courses from any single discipline) Click on on the focus topic to see the courses applicable to that particular region.
Capstone Requirement
All students are required to enroll in Peace and Justice Studies 495 (3 units) offered every spring semester. As a capstone course, PJS 495 integrates the knowledge and skills students have acquired through coursework and experience. The course also provides a foundation for possible future engagement with peace and justice concerns through graduate work, career choice, or volunteer activities. Under the supervision of the course instructor, students will develop a research project or paper. Completed projects will become part of a student archive designed to provide guidance and inspiration for future students of peace and justice.
