2024-2025 Catalog 
    
    Oct 12, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog

International Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies Concentration, Major


This concentration examines the forces producing war and violence at the local and the global levels, including disputes between nations, weapons proliferation, international terrorism, economic inequality as well as criminal and domestic violence, civil war, hate crimes and ethnic conflict. analyze domestic and international institutions and social, political, and economic arrangements that promote or undermine peace. Students also consider the role of social movements and revolutionary ideas and learn how ordinary people have changed the course of the world.

The approach of Peace and Conflict Studies is multidisciplinary, drawing on the humanities as well as the social and natural sciences. Students are taught to think critically, to examine and incorporate conflicting perspectives, and to debate broader principles underlying attitudes towards peace and conflict. In short, students learn the tools necessary to become engaged global citizens that can contribute, directly or indirectly, to peace and justice in the world.

Program Learning Outcomes


Please see the International Studies Major 

Major Requirements (48 units)


International Studies Required Core Courses (12 units)


International Studies majors all take three foundational courses. Majors choose one of the five functional concentrations(each with its own requirements) and one of the five regional focus areas (each with its own requirements). Students cannot double-count any course for both a functional concentration and a regional focus. All majors finish with a capstone course.

Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS) Concentration (20 units)


Regional Focus (12 units)


Choose one of the five Regional Focus areas. Note that each has its own requirements.

Middle East Region Focus


Curriculum Map


Freshman Year


Fall Units
Core - E: BAIS 100 - Intro to International Studies     4
Core - A2: Rhetoric and Composition - Course 1 4
Language - Course 1 4
Core - A1: Public Speaking or Core: First Year Seminar 4
Total Semester Units 16
Spring Units
Core - E: BAIS 103 - The Global Economy   4
BAIS 201 - Research Methods  or Core - B1: Math or Quantitative Science 4
Core A2: Rhetoric & Composition - Course 2 4
Language - Course 2 4
Total Semester Units 16

Sophomore Year


Fall Units
Language - Course 3 4
Concentration Required Course: ANTH 200 - Intro to Anthropology   4
Core - B2: Applied or Laboratory Science 4
Core - C1: Literature 4
Total Semester Units 16
Spring Units
BAIS 201 - Research Methods  or Core - B1: Math or Quantitative Science 4
Regional Focus Required Course 4
Core - C2: History 4
Core - D1: Philosophy 4
Total Semester Units 16

Junior Year


Fall Units
Concentration Elective Course 4
Regional Specialization Elective Course 4
Core - D2: Theology & Religious Studies 4
Core - D3: Ethics 4
Total Semester Units 16
Spring Units
Concentration Elective Course 4
Regional Specialization Elective Course 4
Core - F: Visual & Performing Arts 4
Community - Engaged Learning (CEL) 4
Total Semester Units 16

Senior Year


Fall Units
Concentration Elective Course 4
Regional Specialization Elective Course 4
 BAIS 495 - Honors Thesis Seminar  or BAIS 397 - International Studies Capstone  4
Cultural Diversity (CD) 4
Total Semester Units 16
Spring Units
Concentration Elective Course 4
Elective 4
Elective 4
Elective 4
Total Semester Units 16

*This information is subject to change, the curriculum map is a sample, and students should consult with the department for any updated information.