A course major in Peace and Conflict Studies consists of eight credits. Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies (PEAC 015) is required and should be taken in the first or second year, if at all possible. Also, all majors must complete the PEAC Senior Capstone Seminar (PEAC 091) in the spring semester of their senior year to fulfill the College’s comprehensive exercise requirement that integrates work in the major. No more than two credits eligible for the Peace and Conflict studies major may overlap with courses in a student’s other major or minors.
All Peace and Conflict Studies majors complete at least two courses (in addition to Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies, Senior Capstone Seminar, and any PEAC thesis) that are specifically designated as Swarthmore PEAC courses and worth no less than one credit each. Off campus study courses are not eligible to meet this requirement. We encourage students to take courses taught by different faculty members in order to broaden their exposure to the field. Honors majors alone have the option of writing a one- or two-credit thesis.
Normally, the student who applies for a major in Peace and Conflict Studies will have completed (or be in the process of completing) the introductory course and one other PEAC-designated or eligible course. An "eligible" course is offered in another department or program but can be counted towards a major in Peace and Conflict Studies. A list of eligible courses is available on the program's website.
Honors majors will fulfill the same requirements as course majors but must establish three two-credit honors preparations for external examination at the end of the senior year. There are four primary opportunities for students to fulfill preparations required of honors majors:
Honors majors alone have the option of writing a one- or two-credit thesis. Any thesis must be multidisciplinary.
Students who intend to complete a special major in Educational Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies (honors or course) should consult with the Chair of Peace and Conflict Studies and the Chair of Educational Studies, and submit a copy of their Sophomore Plan during the spring of the sophomore year. The Sophomore Plan should present a plan of study that satisfies the requirements Special major PEAC/EDUC requirements , specifies the courses to count toward the special major, shares the student's interest in Peace and Conflict Studies and Educational Studies, and identifies how the special major complements the student's academic goals. The Sophomore Plan for students proposing an Honors special major should describe the proposed Honors preparation/s. All applications must be approved by the Peace and Conflict Studies Committee.
All Honors preparations must be discussed with the Peace and Conflict Studies Chair and approved by the Peace and Conflict Studies Committee.
Students who intend to major or minor in Peace and Conflict Studies should consult with the Department Chair and submit a copy of their Sophomore Plan during the spring of the sophomore year. The Sophomore Plan should present a plan of study that satisfies the requirements, specifies the courses to count toward the major or minor, shares the student’s interest in Peace and Conflict Studies, and identifies how the program complements the student’s academic goals. (The program will assign advisors.) All applications must be approved by the Peace and Conflict Studies Committee.
The Sophomore Plan for students proposing an Honors major or Honors minor in Peace and Conflict Studies should describe the proposed Honors preparation/s in terms of its/their suitability for examination and its/their contribution to the student’s interests in Peace and Conflict Studies. When possible, students should obtain advance approval from faculty members who teach the courses or seminars that are to be included in an Honors preparation. If an honors major student is proposing to write a senior thesis, the student should specify a general thesis topic and a preference regarding thesis advisor. All applications must be approved by the Peace and Conflict Studies Committee.
Juniors or seniors proposing a major or minor in Peace and Conflict Studies should consult with the Department Chair and submit a revised Sophomore Plan.
The Peace and Conflict Studies faculty enthusiastically support study abroad for majors and minors. A number of study abroad programs that are approved by the Off-Campus Study Office offer appropriate coursework.
Majors may count no more than three credits from off-campus, while minors may count no more than two credits.
Learn more about Off-Campus Study
