Bluffton University is member of the Peace and Justice Studies Association (PJSA). The Peace and Conflict Studies minor is a cross-disciplinary program: students in many different academic backgrounds come together to pursue peacemaking and conflict transformation by taking classes related to peacemaking in a wide variety of subject areas.
On-campus opportunities
At the grass-roots level, students join together once a week as P.E.A.C.E. (Peace Education and Action Community Endeavor) Club. P.E.A.C.E. Club hosts many events on campus such as monthly documentary showings and letter-writing nights.
In the more administrative level, Bluffton has introduced a conferencing program which allows referred students to choose a restorative justice approach instead of disciplinary action. Through mediation this program allows students to take responsibility for campus violations, helping to foster a deeper sense of respect for each other and the Bluffton community.
Off-campus opportunities
Many PCS minors choose to participate in a semester long cross-cultural program to either Northern Ireland or Washington D.C. Because of the peace focus of these programs, both fit very well with the minor. Students take three required PCS classes in addition to one semester off campus to complete the PCS minor. Both programs offer students the opportunity to study peace related topics and gain valuable hands-on experience through an internship.
Awards
Every year one senior is awarded the Jim Satterwhite Award in Peace Scholarship and Activism named after former Bluffton University professor.
Explore courses required for
- a minor in peace and conflict studies
Forms to declare a minor in peace and conflict studies.
