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PEACE STUDIES PROGRAM. Alan Forrest, Michele Ren and Courtney Ross June 14, 2013. RU Peace Studies Mission Statement. Peace Studies at Radford University encompasses the systematic, interdisciplinary study of the causes of conflict and violence, and the conditions for peace. .
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PEACE STUDIES PROGRAM Alan Forrest, Michele Ren and Courtney Ross June 14, 2013
RU Peace Studies Mission Statement Peace Studies at Radford University encompasses the systematic, interdisciplinary study of the causes of conflict and violence, and the conditions for peace.
RU Peace Studies Mission Statement The mission of the Peace Studies program is concerned with, and focuses on, the analysis of circumstances necessary for human flourishing such as: • access to healthy food and clean water, • safe and secure living environments, • a sustainable global ecology, • human and civil rights, • economic security, • attainable education and healthcare, and • a free and open exchange of ideas and beliefs.
RU Peace Studies Mission Statement The program is rooted in the understanding that a just peace is the only lasting peace. The challenges of promoting peace, justice, and conflict transformation are addressed from the interpersonal to the international level. The program also examines more equitable, cooperative and nonviolent methods to transform unjust, violent or oppressive situations. The goals of the program are for students to acquire the knowledge, strategies, and experiences to contribute to the Peace Studies mission.
Who we are… • Peace studies at Radford University examines the causes of conflict, conditions for peace, and ways of building a just peace. • Our program reflects an appreciation of how students can acquire the knowledge, strategies, and experiences to contribute to meaningful change and is consistent with Radford’sinstitutional mission to the development of mature, caring, responsible, well‑educated citizens who possess creative and critical thinking skillsfor analyzing problems and implementing solutions. • The program offers opportunities to develop a vision of possibilities for a just and peaceful society.
Identified challenges • University level • Historically our university has been nominally supportive of the program (as measured by $$$ and faculty participation). • Establish a program collaboration plan. • University faculty apathy. • Program level • Currently our 18-hour minor seems weak and we need to identify and/orcreate additional courses. • Need program faculty agreement on Peace 200 course specifics. • Program faculty apathy.
Identified challenges (cont.) • Student level • Lack of student interest in the program and Peace Studies Club. • Student interest in the Intro Peace Studies course has not translated into Peace Studies minors (student apathy?) • Perception of the course as lacking academic rigor prior to course enrollment.
Discovering our niche • Peace Studies program move to College of Education & Human Development • Experiential learning emphasis • Linking local with the global • Costa Rica study abroad • Virginia Governor’s School – Honor Students • Inner peace practice • University and community education and outreach - programming and events
Meanwhile….back to the future • Monday AM meeting with PS Chair • Contact library services to obtain library liaison • Update/upgrade the Peace Studies website • Course(s) development – begin process now • Peace Film Festival (collaborate with Women’s Studies) • Schedule and plan a “Peace Week” (ala Pasco-Hernando CC) • Strategy for additional minors • Begin planning process for PS guest speakers AY 2013-14 • Recruit three RU Peace Studies faculty to attend next year’s Kroc SI • Presentation/seminar: What is PS and how is it connected to your discipline?
