Help
This course has an assignment that is due by 11:55 pm Central Standard Time on Wednesday night of the first week of class. Failure to complete this assignment will result in your removal from the course for non-participation.

Textbooks

  • David P. Barash and Charles P. Webel, Peace and Conflict Studies, Fourth Edition (SAGE Publications, 2018) ISBN 13: 978-1-5063-4422-5
  • Thich Nhat Hanh Being Peace (Parallax Press, 2005) ISBN 13: 978-1-888375-40-4
  • Joseph Allen, War:  A Primer for Christians (Southern Methodist University, 2014) ISBN 13:  978-1-62349-243-4

Other readings  provided as website links or handouts through myCMU

      

Course Description

A multi-disciplinary approach to the nature and causes of aggression, violence, and war; to public policy on issues of defense and social services; to biblical and theological teachings and principles concerning war, peace, and justice; and to methods and strategies of resolving conflicts at all levels. 3 hours.  Cross listed with RL320.  Prerequisite: RL122.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, each participant should be able to:

1.      To consider differences/similarities between micro- and macro- levels of conflict and conflict resolution;

2.      To be able to discuss and analyze western sociological strategies for resolving conflict;

3.       To help students critically assess positions on Justice issues;

4.       To distinguish between physical violence and social/emotional deprivation; and

5.       To know about various religious resources for understanding and resolving conflict.