The humanities seek to render an integrative and critical examination of the human achievements in art, literature, philosophy and music. This approach will broaden and enrich the students' appreciation of human values derived from the creative forces as expressed in the arts.
Peace Studies Degree
Overview
Requirements
Learning Outcomes
Peace Studies Goals
Citrus College Peace Studies teaches students the historical reasons for warfare at the individual, group, and cultural levels. It helps students to develop an appreciation for diverse cultures and encourages tolerance and respect for multiple points of view, illuminating the underlying reasons for conflict in the contemporary world. This curriculum supports local endeavors such as the Citrus College Veterans Program and the Administration of Justice Program. Furthermore, it prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges in California, including those that offer majors, minors, or certificate programs in Peace and Conflict Studies, such as Chapman University, CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU Long Beach, CSU Sacramento, Fresno Pacific College, Holy Names University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Riverside, and the University of San Diego.
Objectives of the Peace Studies at Citrus College
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Prepare students for a rapidly changing world. The Citrus College Strategic Plan encourages faculty members to develop innovative curriculum and instructional pathways that respond to student needs. The Peace Studies program fulfills that purpose. The United States is entering a difficult transition period. Post World War II American military and economic dominance are unsustainable. Nelson-Pallmeyer suggests that, to insure a "soft landing," Americans must "reject fantasy solutions" and, instead, "make profound personal, economic, and political changes."
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Prepare students for transfer. One of the mission objectives of the Citrus College Educational Master Plan is to prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Peace Studies is a growing field in higher education. Students will be prepared for majors in peace studies, conflict resolution, international relations, and other social science disciplines.
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Prepare students for jobs. According to the California Community College Vision for Success, "We are training the people who will do our jobs when we retire. Our future depends on these students having the skills they need for our workforce." Peace Studies will prepare students for rewarding careers in such areas as diplomatic and government services, the United Nations, nongovernmental organizations such as Amnesty International, the military, education, labor relations, social and economic development, and humanitarian relief.
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Provide support for returning Veterans. The Citrus College Veterans program began in 2007 when history professor Bruce Solheim noticed that returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans were taking his Vietnam and World War II courses as a way to explore the impact of war without dealing directly with their own traumatic experience. Just as Dr. Solheim's courses help veteran students to process their traumatic exposure experiences and prepare them for gaining insight, perspective, and healing, the concepts taught in peace studies classes will provide similar support.
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Provide support for the Administration of Justice program. The Citrus College Administration of Justice program provides the theoretical background and practical experience necessary for employment and promotion in the criminal justice system and related fields. But in our increasingly diverse and complex world, Peace Studies, with its focus on equity and sustainability, can teach additional skills of leadership required for creating peaceful communities that are just, compassionate and sustainable.
Contact Information for Peace Studies
Dr. David Overly, full-time faculty English and Humanities
doverly@citruscollege.edu
(626) 914-8775