Peace and Conflict Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies: Concentration

Peace and Conflict Studies combines an in-depth study on the causes of war and social conflict, and ways of preventing and ending them. You will address crucial challenges of the contemporary world and develop the knowledge and skills necessary for effective citizenship in the post-Cold War world.

With a commitment to peace, you will examine issues of national and international security and the common causes of conflict such as economic disparities and religious, ethnic, racial or gender discrimination. You will develop an understanding and awareness of the responsibility of citizenship in an age of nuclear weapons; regional, ethnic and religious conflicts; environmental deterioration; and global economic interdependence. This responsibility to construct alternatives to war and violence and to foster a just and peaceful world is integral to personal development, education and civic life. The Peace and Conflict Studies concentration will enhance your capacity for global citizenship, whatever your major and whatever career you may choose.

Program Highlights

Students in the Peace and Conflict Studies program will learn to:

  • Understand concepts fundamental to the study of peace and conflict.
  • Recognize how different values (cultural, religious and philosophical) inform conflict and conflict resolution.
  • Closely examine large-scale conflicts and their consequences.
  • Critically evaluate the factors underlying structural violence (i.e., inequitable social arrangements and their impact on people).
  • Analyze the lived experiences and perspectives of people involved in conflicts and efforts at reconciliation.
  • Assess peace and conflict from the perspective of multiple disciplines and integrate different disciplinary approaches.
  • Develop their capacity for self-awareness and recognize how their actions, or inaction, have implications for peace and conflict.
  • Within the Peace and Conflict Studies concentration, students in class years 2021 and later can now pursue a Social Justice Track.
Professor and a student
Research

Study the causes of war and conflict and ways it can be prevented or peacefully resolved.

Individuals sitting at tables in the Hogan Ballroom
Programming

Hear a diverse range of perspectives, from academic experts to affected populations like asylees.

Student sitting in a professor's office
Sample Courses

As an interdisciplinary program, you can take courses from many different departments.

Peace and Conflict Studies News

Luke Lapean '19 in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel
Luke Lapean ’19 Reflects on Impact of a Summer Ministry Internship
I was reading the countless daily emails Holy Cross students receive when I stumbled across one inviting me to apply for a Summer Ministry Internship through the Chaplains’ Office. Then in my sophomore year, I hadn’t given any thought to …
Katie Bowles '18 overlooks the Poas Volcano in Costa Rica while studying abroad. Bowles will be serving in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica for the next two years.
For and With Others: Holy Cross Students Choose the Peace Corps for Post-Grad
Many students come to College of the Holy Cross wanting to make a difference in the world. Four graduating seniors — Katie Bowles, Marie Therese Kane, Clare Orie, and Colleen Brady — are leaving the Hill ready to do just …
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Holy Cross Takes Top Seat in Ranking for Long-Term Study Abroad Participation
For yet another year, the College of the Holy Cross has been ranked No. 1 among baccalaureate institutions in the United States for long-term study abroad participation by the Institute of International Education. According to its report, 133 Holy Cross students …