Peace Studies (PEAC)

Assistant Professor

Margaret M. Groarke,

Director of the Program

The Peace Studies Program is dedicated to the search for solutions to the problems of war and human injustice. It is a interdisciplinary academic program that examines the following problem/ opportunity areas:

• Arms Races and Wars

• Economic, Political, and Social Justice

• Conflict Creation, Management, and Resolution

• Nonviolent Philosophies and Strategies of Resistance

• World Community and World Government

The courses are taught by faculty from the physical and life sciences, the social sciences, the applied sciences, and the humanities. Teaching and research examine “negative” peace—dysfunctional human cultural, social, and economic organization—and “positive” peace—successful human enterprises that result in justice, harmony, and reconciliation. Manhattan College offers Peace Studies as a major or minor field of study leading to the B.A. degree, and as a Certificate program for those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Many students interested in Peace Studies pair it with another academic discipline, and complete a double major. Peace Studies is housed in the School of Arts, but is also available as a major or minor for students in the Schools of Science and Engineering, and is possible as a minor for students in the Schools of Education and Business.

Requirements:

Majors must take 30 credits, including the following: Peace 201, a Senior Seminar (usually Peace 401); two courses (not from the same department) from the “Concepts in Peace Studies” list, two courses from the “Past and Present Conflicts” list, field work or an internship, and three additional electives. Students may choose to write a senior thesis, for which they should register for Peace 421-2. Because intercultural communication is so important to peace, all students are encouraged to develop fluency in a foreign language, and to study or work abroad.

Minors must take 15 credits, including Peace 201 and one course from the “Concepts in Peace Studies” list, one course from the “Past and Present Conflicts” list, and 6 additional credits chosen in consultation with the director. For a Certificate in Peace Studies, a student must take 15 credits, including Peace 201 and one course from the “Concepts in Peace Studies” list, one course from the “Past and Present Conflicts” list, and 6 additional credits chosen in consultation with the director. A minimum grade of C is required for credit toward the major or minor.

Concepts in Peace Studies

GOVT 351 International Relations

PHIL 238 Philosophies of War and Peace

PSYCH 321 Social Psychology

RELS 433 Religious Dimensions of War and Peace

RELS 434 Non-violent Revolution

SOC 304 Social Class and Inequality

SOC 327 Power and Conflict

Past and Present Conflicts

GOVT 251 Global Issues

HIST 364 Anatomy of Peace

HIST 307 Genocide and Holocaust

HIST 362 American Foreign Relations

HIST 390 Terror and Terrorism

SOC 301 Social Problems

PEAC 201. Introduction to Peace Studies. An introduction to the nature, scope, and methodology of Peace Studies as well as explore some major contemporary problems which threaten peaceful and just relations between groups, nations or individuals. (Cr.3)

PEAC 302. Special Topics in Peace Studies. Course descriptions will be announced when courses are offered. (Cr.3)

PEAC 401. Senior Seminar in Peace Studies. An in-depth interdisciplinary analysis of specific research and practical problems. Intended to help the student integrate the various courses he/she has taken in Peace Studies. (Cr.3)

PEAC 421-422. Independent Study in Peace Studies. Available for the Peace Studies student who wishes to conduct in-depth research on a specific topic in Peace Studies. May be used for the senior thesis. (Cr.3, 3)

PEAC 451-452. Peace Studies Field Project. Practical, off-campus training in conflict resolution, mediation and arbitration, international diplomacy, and social justice projects. Specialized work at the American Arbitration Association, the United Nations, Educators for Social Responsibility, the American Friends Service Committee, Pax Christi, and other organizations involved in peace and social justice activities. International opportunities available. Cr.3)

BIOL 223. Ecology. Introduction to the study of the distribution and abundance of organisms. Survey of ecological principles at the level of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems with emphasis on quantitative analysis. (Cr.3)

BIOL 326. Animal Behavior. The biological basis of animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Two lectures and three laboratory or field hours. Suggested Preparation: MATH 211. (Cr.3)

COMM 340. Media Criticism. A critical analysis of the mass media including major theories and research in the field. The course explores media institutions, content, and economic structure and also offers an in-depth investigation into media effects and influence on individuals, society, and culture. (Juniors and Seniors only). (Cr.3)

COMM 371. Intercultural Communication. A study of the basic principles of intercultural communication and the impact of culture on one’s perceptions, beliefs, meanings, and communication. (Cr.3)

ECON 332. Environmental Economics. An analysis of the relationship between social behavior, environmental degradation, economic principles and public policy. Topics include pollution, extinction, sustainability, population growth, global warming, acid deposition, hazardous waste, poverty, and health. This course also considers the viability and success of public policies designed to alleviate the environmental problems. Prerequisite: ECON 201, 202. (Cr.3)

ECON 334. International Economics. A study of international trade and financial relationships. Topics covered include theory of international trade, public and private barriers to trade, commercial policy of the U.S., regional economic integration, foreign exchange markets, balance of payments, disequilibrium and the adjustment process, international monetary systems, and economic development of the developing nations. Fall, Spring. Prerequisites: ECON 202. (Cr.3)

ECON 335. Political Economy. This course deals with determinants of economic growth and development from a global perspective. The political and legal environment will be given attention alongside economic factors. Issues facing transitional and developing economies will be given special focus. Prerequisites: ECON 201. (Cr.3)

ECON 422. History of Economic Thought. A historical and analytical perspective on the developments of economic ideas and the major schools of thought. Special attention will be given to important economic thinkers such as Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx and Alfred Marshall. The purpose is to understand why economics is what it is today. Prerequisites: ECON 201, 202. (Cr.3)

ENGL 265. Contemporary Literature. A comparative study of selected literary texts by African, Asian, Caribbean, and Latin and North American writers responding to the impact of Western colonization and imperialism. (Cr.3)

ENGL 347. Literature and War. A study of the representation in fiction, poetry, drama, and film of such catastrophic human conflicts as the World Wars and the Vietnam War. (Cr.3)

ENGL 348. Contemporary Fiction (World Literature). A sampling of world fiction (in English) written in the last fifteen years. Authors employ widely divergent techniques to address the issues of colonialism, history, politics, social change, and art. Emphasis on the novel as an arena for heterogeneity of sensibilities and the clash of ideologies. Spring. Alternate years. (Cr.3)

GOVT 223. Environmental Politics. Analysis of US and global environmental politics and major issues involved in ecological sustainability and development, including resource management, pollution control and climate change.

GOVT 251. Global Issues. This course will highlight the interrelatedness of economic, ecological, and cultural events as they affect nations, regions, and the global community. The course is designed to illuminate the complex nature of world events and the nature of international studies. (Cr.3)

GOVT 332. Government and Politics of Central and Eastern Europe. This course explores the remarkable changes in this region from the end of World War II, through the Soviet socialist regimes, to the startling movements for change in 1989, to the still young nations of today. (Cr. 3)

GOVT 343. Government and Politics of the Middle East. Comparative study of the political organizations, institutions and groups in the Middle East. Discussion of politics in selected countries, as well as analysis of national and regional conflicts and the roles of the major powers in the region. (Cr.3)

GOVT 344. The Politics of the Contemporary Caribbean. Comparative study of the politics of Caribbean nation-states. Their colonial heritages, political cultures, ideologies, institutions, groups, and development strategies (including regional integration efforts) will be analyzed. (Cr.3)

GOVT 345. The Dynamics of Latin American Politics. Comparative study of the political organizations, institutions, and groups in Latin America and the Caribbean. Discussion of politics in selected countries, as well as analysis of national and regional conflicts and change and the role of the United States in the region. (Cr.3)

GOVT 346. Contemporary African Politics. Impact of traditional culture, Western colonialism and neocolonialism on contemporary African ideologies, political organizations, institutions and groups. Nation-building strategies for overcoming underdevelopment and dependence. (Cr.3)

GOVT 351. International Relations. Analysis of various factors underlying war, peace, diplomacy, economic policy and other means by which international actors conduct their relations with one another. (Cr.3)

GOVT 352. International Organizations. A study of the nature, functions, operations, and politics of the League of Nations, United Nations, and regional or specialized international bodies. (Cr.3)

GOVT 412. Seminar: Women in Politics. Feminism as political ideology. The struggles of 19th Century feminists, the suffrage amendment movement and the contemporary women’s movement as political action. Cross-cultural comparisons of the concerns that mobilize women, their attainment of political power, and the impact of their activity on public policy. (Cr.3)

GOVT 420. Seminar: Conflict Resolution. Analysis of sources of conflict and study of methods of conflict management and resolution at interpersonal, neighborhood, national, and international levels. (Cr.3)

GOVT 426. Seminar: The Politics of Race, Ethnicity and Class in the United States. The assault by racial and ethnic minorities, the poor and working class on traditional patterns of domination and inequality in U. S. politics. The mobilization of mass movements and their struggle for access to city governments, responsive policies, and political power. Their capacity to sustain power at the local level, while attempting to achieve the same at the state and national levels. (Cr.3)

GOVT 457, 458. Model United Nations. A hands-on, participatory experience in which students acquire expertise on a country which they will represent at the five-day National Model United Nations Conference in New York City. The UN simulation is designed to reinforce the basic principles of the world organization, such as maintaining international peace and security, developing better relations among nations based on respect, equal rights and self-determination of peoples and the adjustment and settlement of international disputes. Prerequisite: GOVT 352. (Cr.3)

HIST 307. Genocide and Racism: The Holocaust. The course investigates the emergence of modern racism and its expression as genocide. More in-depth examinations of the events in Armenia, Rwanda, Bosnia, East Timor, and Cambodia complement the special emphasis on the German attempt to annihilate certain groups like the Jews during World War II. Recommended for Education majors to satisfy New York and New Jersey state education laws requiring that the Holocaust be taught in all schools. (Cr.3)

HIST 313. Vietnam to the Philippines. Political, social, economic change, and the kaleidoscope of outside intervention in modern Southeast Asia since the founding of Singapore in 1819. (Cr.3)

HIST 319. The Crusades. The great military expeditions of Latin Christendom against the Moslems and the Byzantine Empire for the recovery and defense of the Holy Land. Special topics include the growth of chivalry, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the increased economic contacts between Europe and the Middle East. (Cr.3)

HIST 326. Diplomatic History of Europe Since 1815. The international relations among the European states from the Congress of Vienna through the era of Imperialism and the 20th century’s two world wars. (Cr.3)

HIST 355. Eastern Europe in Modern Times. A survey of the history of Eastern and Central Europe, the area between Germany and Russia, from the end of World War I until the present day. The countries of the region will be examined both comparatively and individually to identify the economic, social, cultural, and national forces which have shaped their developments. (Cr.3)

HIST 362. American Foreign Relations, 1900 to the Present. “The American Century.” The rise of America to world power. Relations with other countries before, during and between the world wars, in the Cold War, and in the post-Soviet era including politics toward Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. (Cr.3)

HIST 383. The Civil War and Reconstruction. The causes of the Civil War: economic and political, legal and constitutional, ideological and moral. The great people, the great battles, and the great events. The results and the cost of the war, human and economic. Reconstruction, racism and segregation. Spring 2005. (Cr.3)

HIST 390. Terror and Terrorism: The Uses of Political Violence. This course examines the major ideas and problems associated with terror and terrorism from the French Revolution to the present and considers the historical development and role of political violence both by and against the state in contemporary society. (Cr.3)

INTL 201. Global Issues. This course will highlight the interrelatedness of political, economic, ecological and cultural events as they affect nations, regions, and the global community. The course is designed to illuminate the complex nature of world events and the nature of international studies. (Cr.3)

MGMT 415. Human Behavior in the Organization. Individual and social behavioral processes and their relevance to managers. Behavioral sciences concepts and techniques for maximizing both the contribution of human resources toward organizational goals and the personal growth and fulfillment of organizational personnel. Prerequisite: MGMT 201. (Cr.3)

MGMT 450. The Management of Behavioral Dynamics. Managerial implications of alternative methods for dealing with organizational confrontation, change, and inter- and intra-group conflict. Extensive experiential learning techniques utilized. Prerequisite: MGMT 415 or permission of instructor. (Cr.3)

PHIL 201. Ethics. An introduction to moral decision making emphasizing the criteria used in assessing moral problems and dilemmas. (Cr.3)

PHIL 238. Philosophies of War and Peace. Historical-conceptual consideration of war, peace, causes, and conditions of war and peace; social strife, racism, sexism, attitudes toward war and peace, peaceful coexistence, pacifism, nonviolence as techniques of struggle. (Cr.3)

PSYC 207. Psychology of the Disadvantaged. Analysis and discussion of topics in social psychology which relate to prejudice and discrimination. Each semester two or three disadvantaged groups are examined in some detail. (Cr.3)

PSYC 321. Social Psychology. A study of the processes by which the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings of the individual are influenced by his/her social environment. Topics include: social perception and attribution, attitude development and change; interpersonal attraction and interpersonal relations such as friendship. (Cr.3)

PSYC 344. Group Dynamics. An introduction to small group processes, including theory, research, and application. Topics include leadership, power, decision-making and conflict. (Cr.3)

RELS 336. Native American Religions. The study of the principal rites, stories, and religious symbols of the Native Americans of North America through the study of selected tribes or nations. Various research approaches and popular media portrayal of the “Indians” will also be discussed. (Cr.3)

RELS 354. Buddhism: Its Development and Interpretation. A study of the principles of Buddhist thought together with a reading of various Theravada and Mahayana texts. The course will address problems of philosophical interpretation, historical development and cultural transformation. (Cr.3)

RELS 355. Islam. An introductory survey of the origins and religious teachings of Islam, with special attention to the Islamic views of providence, revelation, worship, and moral obedience. Community, social justice, and revolutionary thought in the contemporary Islamic world will also be discussed. (Cr.3)

RELS 357. Religions of China and the Far East. A survey of the religious traditions of the cultures of the Far East. Examines Confucianism, Taoism, and Far Eastern forms of Buddhism as well as the cultural background, beliefs, practices, art, and literature of these religions. (Cr.3)

RELS 358. Religions of India. A survey of the religions that began in India: Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Traces the historical development of these religions from the time of the Vedas to Mahatma Gandhi. The survey will focus on the religious beliefs, practices, and literature of these different groups. (Cr.3)

RELS 361. Yoga: Philosophy, Praxis and Art. This course will be a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary introduction to the nature of yoga—its philosophical underpinnings, its iconographical representations and its practices. Materials will be drawn from Hinduism, the Buddhisms of Tibet and Japan, and Carmelite Christianity. In addition, contemporary neuropsychological approaches will be explored. The course will be enhanced by field trips that explore the art and practices of these areas.

RELS 403 Ethics in the Workplace. An investigation of the ethical challenges, from the personal to the global, that arise in the context of the workplace. Texts will feature case studies and analysis of issues ranging from honesty and fidelity to consumption patterns, organizational structure, and corporate ethos. Students will be introduced to theories in both philosophical and theological ethics that will provide critical tools to help determine a coherent and defensible ethic for their working lives.

RELS 404. Religion and Social Justice. The role of religion in the economic, political, and cultural life of the underclass in New York as interpreted through biblical insight and Roman Catholic social teaching. Site visits to such places as homeless shelters, social action groups, Wall Street, inner-city churches, the United Nations. (Cr.3)

RELS 405. Urban America: Crisis and Opportunity. An interdisciplinary, service learning course. Sociological, political science, economic analysis of urban poverty, combined with reflections on Catholic social teaching, provide the framework for student-volunteer work at various Bronx-based community organizations. (Cr.3)

RELS 411. Women in Western Religion. An exploration of the field of women’s studies in religion as it intersects with new understandings of God, text, and tradition emerging within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The course will look at the roles of women within these three traditions and consider the question of how people bring about religious change.

RELS 433. Religious Dimensions of Peace. A theological and ethical inquiry into the major Jewish and Christian responses to war: pacifism, just war, and crusade. Various religious anthropologies are considered as possible ethical bases for peace in today’s world. Contemporary relevance of Reinhold Niebuhr, Mohandas K. Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez. (Cr.3)

RELS 434. Non-Violent Revolution. A study of the theory and practice of non-violence as found in select contemporary leaders: Mohandas K. Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Vinoba Bhave, Danilo Dolce, and Helder Camara. Examinations of the theological and ethical foundations of non-violent revolution. (Cr.3)

RELS 436. Theologies of Liberation. An examination of the theologies of liberation in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and among Afro-Americans and women in the United States; dialogue among these groups; response of first-world theologians; relation between religion and politics; place of activism in the life of a religious person. (Cr.3)

RELS 440. American Christian Social Ethics. A theological and historical analysis of the thought of Walter Rauschenbusch, John A. Ryan, Reinhold Niebuhr, Martin Luther King Jr., and Paul Hanley Furfey. A study of their impact on American religious, political, and economic institutions. (Cr.3)

RELS 441. Sexuality and the Sacred. Explores some ways in which different religious traditions have perceived the relationship between sexuality and religion. Examines the religious roots of our own cultural attitudes toward sexuality and sex roles and looks at some contemporary attempts to rethink the relationships between sexuality and spirituality, and between women and men. (Cr.3)

RELS 442. Islam and Politics. An investigation into the relationship between religious and political thought of the peoples of Islam. Selected Quranic texts and Hadiths will be studied for their political content. The history of political Islam and the contemporary Islamic scene throughout the world will be featured elements of the course. (Cr.3)

SOC 301. Social Problems. A critical analysis of the causes and impact of social problems using the major theoretical approaches developed in sociology. Topics include poverty, the environment, corporate power, war, et al.(Cr.3)

SOC 302. Race and Ethnicity. Theories, concepts, and research findings from sociology and anthropology as they relate to dominant and minority relations in various countries. Sociological study of conflict, prejudice, and discrimination. (Cr.3)

SOC 304. Social Class and Inequality. Analysis of the class structure of the United States. Economic and noneconomic characteristics of different classes. How class status affects one’s life (physical and mental health, food and shelter, education, crime, and political power). The factors influencing what class one ends up in adulthood. The impact of welfare reform. Variations in class inequality across societies and across different time periods in the U.S. Varying explanations of and solutions to class inequality. (Cr.3)

SOC 327. Power and Conflict. Analysis of the nature of political power and the dynamics of political change in the U.S. Different theories of the distribution of political power in the U.S. Different devices used by political groups to influence government. The political interests, tactics, and impact of social movements; minorities, women, labor, and environmentalists. Varying proposals to change the distribution of political power. (Cr.3)

SOC 328. Societies and Cultures of Latin America. A study of the native and contemporary cultures of Latin American societies from an anthropological perspective. Analysis of the processes of socio-cultural change and the external forces affecting Latin American cultures. (Cr.3)