Peace Studies

Peace is not necessarily defined as just the absence of war, but as the presence of conditions for a sustainable peace.

In the peace studies program at Emmanuel, you will develop an understanding of the causes of global conflict, including political, social, economic and religious factors. You will also learn about nonviolent methods of reducing and resolving conflict and explore how these methods have been used in cases around the world, as well as in the U.S. You will also have an opportunity to intern with Boston-area organizations involved in working for peace at home and abroad.

Minor Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for a Minor in Peace Studies

  • 1. POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS)
  • 2. THRS2201 War, Peace and Religion (R) (RI) (SJ)
  • 3. A 3000-level seminar in Peace Studies

4.-6. Electives (choose three of the following from at least two different departments):

  • HIST2120 Europe in the Era of World War
  • SOC2105 Race, Ethnicity and Group Relations (SA) (SS) (DM)
  • POLSC2411 The Contemporary Middle East: Challenges and Promise OR POLSC3407 People and Politics of the Middle East
  • POLSC3303 Street Democracy
  • POLSC3403 Human Issues in International Relations
  • POLSC3405 Negotiating Peace
  • SOC1203 Crime and Justice (SS)
  • SOC2205 War and Peace
  • SOC3205 Crimes Against Humanity 
  • THRS3133 Social Justice and Religious Traditions
  • THRS3203 World Religions in Conflict and Dialogue (RCT) (RICT) (DM)

Explore Emmanuel

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For Nadel, the stage is her “second home,” and the community she’s found within Emmanuel’s Theater program, a second family. While she originally thought she would pursue college theater as a hobby, she soon realized the work would define her student experience and provide a foundation for life beyond Emmanuel.

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Gianna Kittle '20: Advocating for Justice

Prior to coming to Emmanuel, Gianna had never heard of the field of sociology, but was very familiar and passionate about issues of crime and justice. Her time at Emmanuel helped her to not only put a name—but also, a purpose—to that passion.

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Jake Hill '20: Seeing Citizenship with a Capitol C

Growing up in a suburban town outside of Boston, going to college in the city had always been a goal for Jake. After touring Emmanuel's campus he felt it had the perfect mixture of “small campus feel and big city appeal.”

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Melissa Duffy '20: Artist and Appreciator

When Melissa started at Emmanuel, she chose what she believed to be two separate and distinct majors—studio art and history—to fulfill her both her personal and professional interests.

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Featured Faculty: Petros Vamvakas

Petros Vamvakas is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Latin American Studies, Middle East Studies and Peace Studies Programs. His work focuses on security and democratization, as well as issues related to identity and race in politics throughout the Americas. As part of his teaching, he has escorted groups of students to Crete, Greece, and will be bringing a group of students to Cuba.

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