Students with any major, whether in course or in the Honors Program, may add a course minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. Of the 5 credits required for a peace and conflict studies minor, 4 may not be double counted with the student's major or other minor. Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies (PEAC 015) is required and should be taken in the first or second year, if at all possible.
All Peace and Conflict Studies minors will complete at least two courses (in addition to Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies) that are specifically designated as Swarthmore PEAC courses. (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.
Normally, the student who applies for a minor 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 toward a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. A list of eligible courses is available on the department's website.
Be aware of the "overlap constraint." You may use the Overlap Checksheet to help avoid overlap.
Please follow the program course requirements for minors , including the "overlap constraint.". You may use the Overlap Checksheet to help avoid overlap. Also, note that courses may be counted toward the minor as they are listed on the student's transcript. Cross-listed courses will apply as if they were taken in the department indicated on the transcript.
Students with any major in the Honors Program may choose an Honors minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. Honors minors will fulfill the same requirements as course minors but must establish one two-credit honors preparations for external examination at the end of the senior year. A standard Honors minor preparation will consist of a seminar or a combination of two courses.
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
