Peace Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study which addresses the problems of war, social oppression and violence, and the challenges of implementing nonviolent conflict resolution and social justice. Peace Studies serves to focus knowledge from diverse disciplines to converge on the problems of violence and the challenges of finding peaceful solutions.
The Peace Studies program strongly recommends study or work abroad for its students to gain international awareness and experience. Many institutions with which Gustavus has an official affiliation offer courses in the areas of peace and conflict resolution studies which could be substituted for Gustavus courses (up to two) and applied toward the Peace Studies minor.
Students are encouraged to consult with the following faculty who serve as resource persons and advisors in the various disciplines that contribute to the minor in Peace Studies: Gregory Mason (English), Karen Larson (Interdisciplinary Studies), Mimi Gerstbauer and Richard Leitch (Political Science), Suzanne Wilson (Sociology/Anthropology).
