Contact:
Dean, School of Liberal Arts
Dr. Ralph Blasting - rblasting@siena.edu
Phone: 518-783-2327
Peace Studies at Siena is a multi-disciplinary scholarly, practical, and
personal pursuit that examines many social justice topics, such as the origins, causes, and justifications of war and other systems of state, group, and interpersonal violence; a just world community; global environmental concerns; intercultural understanding; and non-violent alternatives to injustice, violence and war.
The Siena College Peace Studies program is inspired by Jewish and Christian principles of peace and justice and the values and example of Francis of Assisi, who encouraged humans to be peacemakers not only in their own lives but in the world at large. This vision of peace and justice can be found in many life-affirming religious and philosophical traditions, and has informed the words and actions of many peacemakers, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dorothy Day.
The program subscribes to the following general principles articulated
by Joseph Fahey in Education for Justice and Peace:
- Peace education must be solidly academic in nature: scholarly research is basic to the program, and students are strongly encouraged to consider as many perspectives as possible, not solely that of peace researchers.
- Peace studies is multidisciplinary in methods: peace studies is problem-centered and thus requires the perspectives and methodologies of many disciplines.
- Peace studies is ‘reconstructionist’ in nature: students should think about the future and about what reforms or inventions may be necessary to produce a more desirable society or world.
- Peace studies requires a moral commitment: although as academics we seek objectivity in our research methodology, we also acknowledge the role of values in the choice of topic and the determination of what is desirable. Peace studies explicitly states its position as being for peace and life and against violence and injustice.
- Peace studies must have a ‘practical’ orientation: students should realize the applicability of their knowledge towards advancing the goals of peace and justice.
Certificate Requirements
Students who wish to participate in the Peace Studies certificate program must meet with the Peace Studies Director no later than the second semester of their sophomore year. Students must complete 24 credit hours to be eligible for the Peace Studies certificate upon graduation. This includes completion of the three Peace Studies courses: PCST—101, PCST—480, PCST—490, and 15 credit hours in electives, with no more than two elective courses taken in any one department. Appropriate electives are determined through consultation between the student and the Peace Studies Program Director. Courses eligible for Peace Studies elective status are determined by the Peace Studies Committee.
Peace Studies Minor
Students who wish to participate in the Peace Studies Minor must
meet with the Peace Studies Director no later than the second semester of the sophomore year. Students must complete 18 credit hours of Peace Studies courses, including PCST–101, PCST–480, PCST–490 and 9 credits taken from other PCST courses. Note that the PCST–240 Topics in Peace Studies may be taken more than once with different topics.
Peace Studies Certificate Students and Peace Studies Minor Students are also eligible to participate in the American University Washington Semester Peace and Conflict Resolution track. After consultation with the Washington Semester coordinator, Dr. Leon Halpert, and the Peace Studies Director, students selecting this option may substitute PCST—789 for PCST—480 and may apply ATDV—788, POSC—790 through 797 toward their Peace Studies electives. See the Washington Semester program section of the catalog for a program description.
Description of Courses
PCST—101. Introduction to Peace Studies
3 credits
An introduction to the peace studies approach to conflict and conflict resolution from the interpersonal through the international level. Emphasizes the concepts of peace; conflict; violence; the origin, causes, and nature of war; the morality of war; alternatives to war and violence; social justice and injustice; just world order; nonviolent conflict resolution; and intercultural understanding. Course also open to students not electing the certificate. (ATTR: ARTS).
PCST—240. Topics in Peace Studies
3 credits
An examination of a particular topic which deals with the concepts of peace, conflict, nonviolence, and social justice. (ATTR:ARTS)
PCST—250. Empowerment, Social Action and Personal Transformation
3 credits
This course investigates the ways in which a commitment to nonviolent social action can transform and significantly empower people to bring about changes in themselves and in the larger society. By examining power and the means of resisting and acquiring it, by studying the ideas and accomplishments of several social activists, and by carrying out one or more projects aimed at social improvement, the instructors hope to assist the student in understanding how people can act to take control of their lives and achieve their goals for attaining a more peaceful world. (ATTR:ARTS, FSPC, PCST).
PCST—480. Internship in Peace Studies
3 credits
Provides students with experience using the peace studies approach to peace, conflict resolution and social justice through placement with private and governmental organizations. Students are required to work 8 to 10 hours per week. Evaluation is made by the staff of the participating institution and the Peace Studies Program Director. Prerequisites: PCST—101, PCST—480 or PCST—789, and at least 9 credits of Peace Studies electives. (ATTR:ARTS)
PCST—490. Seminar in Peace Studies
3 credits
An integration of the Peace Studies program which involves examining and carrying out scholarly research on some particular aspects of peace, war, conflict resolution, violence, nonviolence, social justice or injustice, intercultural understanding, or a just world order. Prerequisites: PCST—101, PCST—480, PCST—789, and at least 9 credits of Peace Studies electives. (ATTR:ARTS)
***PCST—789. Washington Semester Peace Studies Internship
4 credits
***Offered when there is sufficient student interest
This is the peace Studies Internship for the Washington Semester Program, Peace and Conflict Resolution track. It provides students with a firsthand experience as a member of a staff directly involved in peace building and conflict resolution. The internship will be available with congressional offices, research think tanks and interest groups. Student will work two full days each week of the semester. Student evaluations will be based upon criteria established by academic and office supervisors. Prerequisites: PCST—101, POSC—100, and the permission of both the Peace Studies Director and the Washington Semester Coordinator, Dr. Leon Halpert. (ATTR:ARTS).
