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PSYC 334 Peace Studies and the Psychology of Peace

Can we manage the conflict in our personal life, our society and our world so it results in development and justice rather than oppression and destruction? We consider four paths towards peace: strength, negotiation, justice through nonviolent and political action, and personal transformation. Students are asked to develop their own stance towards achieving peace, to act on the basis of that stance and to report what they discover.

Special information

Recommended: PSYC 100 General Psychology.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective December 14, 2010 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Examine theoretical and concrete principles of social change and of responsible citizenship, and apply these to their own lives.
  • Examine, articulate, and apply individuals¿ beliefs about topics pertaining to psychology of peace ¿ especially as regards: What is the basis of human nature? What is peace? How can it be achieved? What are barriers to this process?
  • Recognize the diversity of motivations and interests of others, at all social levels ¿ within and between individuals, within societies, and among global bodies.
  • Understand and apply core concepts to specific issues (including: self-defense, human security, personal transformation, social movements, conflict resolution, etc.)
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories. Develop and communicate alternative explanations for social phenomena.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility

  • Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
  • Understand and apply core concepts (e.g. politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.
  • Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.
  • Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.
  • Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Spring 2025

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Peace Studies and the Psychology of Peace Mahoney, Caitlin O Books for PSYC-334-50 Spring 2025 Course details for PSYC-334-50 Spring 2025