Peace and Justice Studies is a multidisciplinary minor that explores the causes and nature of conflict and war, the connections between violence, terrorism, war and social life, and models of peacebuilding, healing and reconciliation in the resolution and transformation of conflict. Students who minor in Peace and Justice Studies are encouraged to explore opportunities relevant to Peace and Justice Studies through fieldwork, service learning, internships and study abroad.
Faculty across the campus contribute courses to the Peace and Justice Studies Minor representing a wide variety of perspectives and methodologies.
Requirements for the Minor are six courses: one Core course - PHIL 219, PHIL 222, PHIL 224, PHIL 226, or AFS/EDU 264 (or any course the Director approves); at least two courses at the 200-level; at least two at the 300 level or above. If a Peace and Justice minor elects one of the Philosophy courses as their core course, they are exempted from the 100-level prerequisite in the Philosophy department. Of the courses taken beyond the Core course, students are encouraged to take at least one with a global focus and one with a domestic focus. Students should consult this list of approved courses, or email the program director with a request to have another course count.
No more than two courses for the minor may be in the major field of study, or from any one particular discipline/department.
Minors have to create and implement a peace and/or justice related project on campus or the wider community, and submit a report before they graduate.
Students who want to declare a Peace and Justice Studies Minor should complete the form below with the Director of Peace and Justice Studies: Declaration of Minor form and submit a one page single-spaced write up explaining why they wish to be a minor and how the 6 chosen classes fit together.
Interested students should contact the Director of the program: Professor Hakim Mohandas Amani Williams (hwilliam@gettysburg.edu).
Minors are encouraged to join the Peace and Justice Minor Student Council which plans the annual Peace and Justice Week and other events, and/or apply for the Maihan Wali Peace and Justice Studies Fellowship.