Conflict Studies Minor

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Acceptance to the Program

The conflict studies program is open to all interested undergraduates and is individually tailored to address each student’s learning objectives. Prior to approving a proposed course of study, each student is required to meet with the program director to develop a statement that describes the student’s proposed learning objectives and how they relate to his or her academic major, and to identify appropriate courses that will meet the student’s learning objectives. Approval should be obtained as early as possible, preferably during the student’s first or sophomore year, but certainly prior to completing the second required program course, Approaches to Conflict Response. Students may only count courses toward the minor or certificate that have been approved in advance by the program director or conflict studies advisor.

Minor Requirements

The conflict studies minor is designed to help students develop deeper insights and understanding into the causes and dynamics of conflict and to gain competence and courage to address conflict in constructive and innovative ways.

Students take six (6) courses as follows:

Additional Four (4) Courses from Student’s Selected Track

In order to assure that students develop a coherent program of study related to their major area of interest, the program is divided into three areas of emphasis or “tracks.” After completing the two core courses required of all conflict study minors (CFST 1100 and CFST 3100), each student selects and follows the one track most appropriate for his or her focus of study. Courses within each track are at the 3000-level or above and may include relevant Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) courses, with MALS director permission. Students should consult with the conflict studies program director about approved courses within each track.

Track 1: Interpersonal Conflict

This track explores conflict at the individual level. Students interested in this track might have academic majors such as communication studies, legal studies, management, philosophy, psychology, religion, women’s studies, among others.

Track 2: Group/Organizational Conflict

This track explores conflict within and between groups and organizations. Students interested in this track might have academic majors such as communication studies, environmental studies, international management, legal studies, management, political science, psychology, religion, social studies, social justice, sociology, urban studies, and women’s studies, among others.

Track 3: Sociocultural Conflict

This track explores conflict at the sociocultural level, whether domestic or international. Students may elect to focus on conflict within or between the United States and/or other nation-states. Students interested in this track might have academic majors such as anthropology, criminal justice, East Asian studies, history, international management, international studies, Latin American studies, legal studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, social justice, social studies, sociology, urban studies, women’s studies, among others.

Internship/practicum/study abroad

Students pursuing the undergraduate minor are encouraged, but not required, to participate in an approved internship, practicum, or study-abroad experience with a theme related to the study of conflict. An approved internship/practicum/study-abroad experience can substitute for one of the four (4) courses required from within the student’s track.