THE UNDERGRADUATE MINOR IN PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES

This minor includes a required interdisciplinary capstone course and a variety of electives from six colleges at the University of Utah. Courses focus on conflict theory, war and terrorism, just war theory, the history of peace efforts and nonviolent social movements, community-based conflict management and resolution, and human rights. The minor is also part of the larger Peace and Conflict Studies Program in the College of Humanities. For further information, please e-mail: Peace@hum.utah.edu

THE ADVOCACY COURSE

Part of a new minor in Campaign Management, POLS 3170 (Interest Groups, Lobbying, and Advocacy) has a new component to teach students the tools and techniques of effective advocacy in American politics on the local, state, and national levels. The course includes a two-week block on human rights advocacy with representatives of the peace and human rights communities discussing the special aspects necessary for effective lobbying in the United States.

ANNUAL FORUM

The Center presents an annual forum on the University of Utah campus and for the community. The forum includes a prominent speaker in the area of peace, nonviolence, and human rights. The forum provides an opportunity for widespread campus participation in the formulation of topics, agendas, and discussions.

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS

Working closely with area, national, and international organizations, the Center sponsors practical internships and opportunities for study abroad. Current partners include the Hinckley Institute of Politics, the Lowell Bennion Service Learning Center, University/Neighborhood Partners, Chamade/Perspectives on Prejudice, the University for Peace in Costa Rica, and several NGOs in India. For more information contact the Center director.

K-12 EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM

Working with our partners in the College of Education, the Community of Caring, and Utah public schools, we are co-sponsoring summer programs on conflict resolution for area youth and helping teachers to develop packets of materials for effective and tailored instruction in conflict resolution, peacemaking and human rights. In particular, we are building bridges between the University of Utah and the primary and secondary schools of our state.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

These include the development of a peace and human rights library, the facilitation of multi-stakeholder dialogues on issues of importance to the wider community, and co-sponsorship of speakers and workshops with various partners.