The study of Peace and Social Justice promotes an understanding of the concepts of peace and conflict through the lens of cultural differences, scarce resources, economic and social structures, international trade, the arms race, oppression, power and war.

Students develop a common language that defines concepts of peace, war, violence, justice, exploitation, security, human rights, international law and organization. Additionally, students integrate theory and methods from multiple disciplines and their role in the history and development of peace studies and social justice education. Further, students identify and integrate the paradigms of peace studies and social justice education and comprehend the morality and values of peace and social justice.

In this interdisciplinary studies option, students are presented with eight keys to a culture of peace: respect all life, reject violence, share with others, listen to understand, preserve the planet, rediscover solidarity, work for women’s equality, and participate in democracy.

For more information, see required courses.

"The trouble is, once you see it, you can't unsee it. And once you've seen it, keeping quiet, saying nothing becomes as political an act as speaking out. There is no innocence. Either way, you're accountable."

— Arundhati Roy