Peace and Conflict Studies, an interdisciplinary program at West Chester University, is a curriculum that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s (the oldest program in the country dates to 1948) but which has seen its most rapid growth during the past 20 years. Drawing from a diversity of specialized academic domains, especially the social studies and humanities, Peace and Conflict Studies imparts an understanding of human conflict and how to manage it constructively. Particular attention is given to war, but also to less obvious forms of violence, with a view toward shaping a world where violence of all sorts is much less prevalent. The intent is to show that conflict can be managed-- not necessarily eliminated--without violence. What peace and conflict studies aims for is a world in which "positive peace" prevails (a world of justice), not just the negative peace of warlessness. But war's continuing reality mandates that this crucial issue be given careful attention. It should be noted that this program is an 18-credit academic minor only, not a major, and does not lead to a bachelor's or master's degree. Transcript recognition will be given. For More Information: Dr. Frederick R. Struckmeyer,
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