P E A C E   A N D   C O N F L I C T   S T U D I E S

Notes

The following courses are administered by Conrad Grebel University College.

PACS 100s


PACS 101 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 014548
Peace is Everybody's Business
This course explores ways in which individuals and groups from multiple sectors of society have contributed to peace by engaging conflict constructively and advancing social justice. Attention will be given to the diversity of peacemaking approaches, and to interpersonal and intergroup as well as international applications.

 

PACS 200s


PACS 201 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 007191
Roots of Conflict, Violence, and Peace
An examination of influential theories about the sources and nature of conflict, violence, and peace. Contributions from the social sciences as well as the humanities will be explored, with attention to connections between interpersonal, intergroup, and international levels of analysis.

 
PACS 202 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 007192
Conflict Resolution
An examination of the resolution of conflicts, ranging from interpersonal to broader social and international conflicts. Students are introduced to negotiation, mediation, and nonviolent resistance, and are encouraged to develop their own theoretical understandings that aid in addressing conflict.
(Cross-listed with LS 271)

 
PACS 203 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 011120
A History of Peace Movements
A survey of individuals and groups that have created popular movements for peace globally and locally throughout history. The scope will be international, with a particular focus on the 19th and 20th century movements. The choice of peace movements will allow for a contrast in comparison of ideology, strategy, and impact.
(Cross-listed with HIST 232)

 
PACS 290 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015895
Special Topics in Peace and Conflict Studies
A seminar course exploring special issues related to peace and conflict. Content will vary from year to year.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]

 

PACS 300s


PACS 301 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 010211
Special Topics in Peace and Conflict Studies 1
A seminar course investigating special issues related to peace and conflict. Content may vary from year to year.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 302 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 007203
Special Topics in Peace and Conflict Studies 2
A seminar course investigating special issues related to peace and conflict. Content may vary from year to year.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 310 SEM 0.50
Course ID: 015558
Peace and the Environment
This course explores the natural environment as a potential source of both conflict and peacebuilding in local, national, and international contexts. In this course, we examine both the gravity of the global environmental crisis and the inspiration of the growing grassroots movement toward resilience and peaceful change.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students.
Antireq: PACS 301 taken fall 2016 or PACS 301 (LEC 002) taken fall 2017

 
PACS 311 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 007210
Doing Development: Issues of Justice and Peace
This course introduces a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives on international development. It examines current and alternative development programs in terms of their contribution to justice and/or peace at local, national, and global levels.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 312 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 007211
Quest for Peace in Literature and Film
A study of works of literature and film which express a resistance to war. The course examines how the desire to articulate an anti-war position has engaged the artistic sensibilities and shaped the visions and modes of expression of selected writers and filmmakers.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 313 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 007212
Community Conflict Resolution
An analysis of the growing use of mediation and other conflict resolution strategies in community conflicts, race relations, church disputes, and alternatives to the legal system. The course focuses on case studies with attention to both practical and theoretical issues.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 314 SEM 0.50
Course ID: 007213
Restorative Justice and Transformative Education
This seminar course presents alternative ways of designing the educational experience using restorative justice as a foundation. It applies the principles and practices of restorative justice to many aspects of education including dealing with conflict, curriculum development, school culture, and system issues.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 315 SEM 0.50
Course ID: 015675
Engineering and Peace
This course is built on the conviction that the kinds of problems engineers seek to address, and the ways they seek to address them, should matter for anyone interested in advancing peace in the world. Topics include historical connections between the discipline of engineering and warfare, understanding the engineering method and mindset, and technological frontiers for peacebuilding.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students.
Antireq: PACS 301 taken spring 2016 or PACS 301 (LEC 001) taken fall 2017

 
PACS 316 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 009925
Violence, Non-violence, and War
An exploration of the traditional debates concerning the legitimacy of violence and war as instruments in the pursuit of personal and political goals. The course critically examines a continuum of views from religious doctrines of non-resistance, to various forms of pacifism and non-violent resistance, "just-war theory", and political realism. The strategic arguments for political non-violent action are also considered.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students
(Cross-listed with PHIL 329)

 
PACS 318 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 009927
Peacebuilding in Divided Societies
This course confronts the central challenge of how to transition from violence to just peace; from deep rooted conflict, war, and structural violence to positive peace and transformed relationships. The course introduces the concept of peacebuilding, identifies levels of peacebuilding initiatives, and focuses particularly on grassroots efforts to lead change. Course work includes readings, case studies, simulation exercises, and applied projects.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 320 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 008329
Christian Approaches to Peacemaking
Current Christian approaches to peacemaking in areas of conflict: war and militarism, crime, poverty, racism, and gender relations. Attention will be given to various biblical, theological, and historical bases for these approaches.
[Note: This course fulfils an Area 2 requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students.
Antireq: RS 256
(Cross-listed with RS 320)

 
PACS 321 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 011121
Gender in War & Peace
An examination of various themes in the history of peace and war using gender as a central category of analysis. Theoretical literature and international case studies will be used to explore how the discourse and enactment of war and peace are influenced by societal constructions of gender, both historically and in the present.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students.
Antireq: WS 331
(Cross-listed with GSJ 331)

 
PACS 323 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 007201
Negotiation: Theories and Strategies
This course explores different ways of negotiating between people and groups with conflicting interests. Students will learn the theory behind the strategies and develop practical negotiation skills you can put to use in your daily life at home, at work, and in the community.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students.
Antireq: PSYCH 439
(Cross-listed with LS 319)

 
PACS 324 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 011009
Human Rights, Peace, and Business
This course will explore the tension between the values of human security/human rights and traditional economic policy. The impact of this dynamic relationship on the well-being of individuals as well as on corporations and international economic institutions to promote peace and just development will also be analyzed.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 325 SEM 0.50
Course ID: 015894
Refugees and Forced Migration
This course will draw on case studies from past and present to understand why people flee their homes and homelands to seek refuge elsewhere. It will examine the policies and practices of government and non-governmental agencies in facilitating or blocking such movements. The course will also analyze the attitudes, values, and language that shape local and global responses to refugee movements, on the part of civil society and the state. Students in the course will become acquainted with organizations that work with refugees in Waterloo Region and will gain a critical understanding of Canada's role in refugee reception.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma Students.
Antireq: PACS 301 (LEC 001) winter 2016, winter 2017

 
PACS 326 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 012189
Religion and Peacebuilding
This course investigates the roles of religion and spirituality in peacemaking, exploring both obstacles and opportunities facing religious peace builders. Cases involving representatives of major world religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism) will provide a basis for comparing practices of faith-based advocacy for social justice, reconciliation, and coexistence.
[Note: This course fulfils an Area 3 requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students
(Cross-listed with RS 380)

 
PACS 327 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 013306
Cultural Approaches to Conflict Resolution
Cultural differences enrich our world while also creating bases for disagreement and misunderstanding among individuals, social groups, and nations. This course explores the cultural dimensions of conflict and conflict resolution, shedding light on major patterns of human difference and their implications for contemporary peacebuilding practice.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 328 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 013486
Fair Trade
This course examines the history, theory, and practice of fair trade and how it differs from traditional principles of international trade. It will specifically explore the impact that the fair trade movement has had on small scale producers, consumers, and more broadly on the global economic system.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 329 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 013487
Restorative Justice
This course investigates the history, theory, principles, practices, and people of restorative justice. Content will centre particularly on restorative justice as a way of dealing with crime and interpersonal violence in the Canadian context.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students
(Cross-listed with LS 344)

 
PACS 330 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 008399
War and Peace in Christian Theology
Christian teachings on war and peace from the early church to the present, including crusade, just war, and pacifist traditions, focusing especially on the 20th century discussion around realism, just revolution, nuclear pacifism, and non-violent resistance.
[Note: This course fulfils an Area 2 requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students
(Cross-listed with RS 353)

 
PACS 331 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 014277
Trauma, Healing, and Conflict Resolution
This course examines how the conflict resolution process can be impacted by trauma. With case examples from armed conflict to family violence, participants explore the emotional, physical, and relational aspects of conflict to better understand the potential for interventions that promote peace and justice. Studies include causes, types, and impacts of trauma; cycles of interpersonal and societal violence; frameworks for healing; and exploration of apology, reconciliation, revenge, and forgiveness.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 332 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 014869
Ethics of Peacebuilding
This course will explore ethical challenges in peacebuilding. It will answer the questions: What are ethical problems in peacebuilding? How can we better understand and assess these problems? And, how can we improve our ability to support, or engage in, ethical peacebuilding practice?
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 333 LEC,WSP 0.50
Course ID: 014870
Advanced Mediation Practice
This course will give students both a thorough understanding of the mediation process and practical, hands-on mediation experience. Students will develop in-depth, first-hand knowledge and experience resolving conflicts through the role of the mediator as third party. The course will include a series of role-plays, readings, and case studies.
Prereq: PACS 202/LS 271; Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 335 SEM 0.50
Course ID: 015140
Perspectives in Music and Peace
This course examines music's role in peace and conflict from a variety of perspectives through listening, reading, discussion, and using examples from around the world. Topics include the use of music in dissent and resistance, and as an instrument of propaganda, conflict, and peacebuilding.
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students.
Antireq: PACS 301 (LEC 001) taken winter 2015 or MUSIC 391 taken winter 2015
(Cross-listed with MUSIC 335)

 
PACS 336 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015511
Christianity, Violence, and the Bible
Why has the Bible inspired so much violence? This course explores how it has been used to justify, and to oppose, violence within the Christian tradition in historical and contemporary contexts. Topics may include the crusades, slavery, colonization, apartheid in South Africa, the residential school system in Canada, gender violence, and the environmental crisis.
[Note: This course fulfils an Area 3 requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with RS 335)

 
PACS 390 FLD 0.50
Course ID: 007215
Internship
An internship allows students to engage in experiential learning with an organization that deals with peace and conflict issues, in either a Canadian or international context. The course integrates theory and practice, while facilitating the development of attitudes, strategies, skills, and knowledge that support work in a Peace and Conflict Studies-related setting. Students will identify an appropriate placement, read relevant texts, and submit a report reflecting on what the internship revealed about the integration of peace and conflict studies theory and practice.
[Note: Additional costs should be expected.]
Department Consent Required

 
PACS 391 SEM 0.25
Course ID: 013484
Conflict Resolution Skills
This course provides a framework for students to pursue conflict resolution skills training by completing intensive skills-building workshops in the Certificate Program in Conflict Management with additional academic work supervised by Peace and Conflict Studies faculty.
[Note: Course will be graded on a CR/NCR basis. Additional costs should be expected. This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of two times.]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Level at least 3A Peace and Conflict Studies students or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 395 FLD 0.50
Course ID: 013485
Peace and Conflict Studies Travel Course
A travel seminar of approximately three weeks in length, taught on location, which will involve travel to a region that has experienced conflict. Student preparation, in the form of readings and/or written assignments, will be required prior to departure. Regular lectures and interaction with persons who have worked for peace will be scheduled. Hands-on examples merging theory with practice will be emphasized. Possible locations include the Middle East, Central/South America, Africa, Asia.
[Note: Additional costs should be expected. This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of two times.]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Level at least 2A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 398 RDG 0.50
Course ID: 007217
Directed Readings in Peace and Conflict Studies
Students may arrange independent studies in the area of peace and conflict studies on problems of special interest.
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Level at least 3A Peace and Conflict Studies students or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 
PACS 399 RDG 0.50
Course ID: 007218
Directed Readings in Peace and Conflict Studies
Students may arrange independent studies in the area of peace and conflict studies on problems of special interest.
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Level at least 3A Peace and Conflict Studies students or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students

 

PACS 400s


PACS 401 DIS,RDG,SEM 0.50
Course ID: 012182
Senior Research Seminar
Each student will work on an integrative research project and will meet regularly with other students and faculty for discussion.
Prereq: Level at least 4A Peace and Conflict Studies students

 
PACS 402 DIS,RDG,SEM 0.50
Course ID: 012195
Senior Research Seminar
A continuation of PACS 401. Each student will work on an integrative research project or projects and will meet regularly with other students and faculty for discussion.
Department Consent Required
Prereq: PACS 401

 
PACS 490 SEM 0.50
Course ID: 015896
Special Topics in Peace and Conflict Studies
A seminar course offering an in-depth investigation into special issues related to peace and conflict. Content will vary from year to year.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: Level at least 3A or Peace and Conflict Studies Diploma students