A.A. in Peace Studies

Peace studies is a growing field in higher education. Students will be prepared for majors in peace studies, conflict resolution, and international relations and will develop skills necessary for rewarding careers in such areas as diplomatic and governmental services, the United Nations, nongovernmental organizations such as Amnesty International, the military, education, labor relations, social and economic development, and humanitarian relief.

A.A. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Peace Studies A.A. Degree will:

  1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the historical reasons for warfare at the individual, group, and cultural levels in order to develop strategies for peace.
  2. Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the diverse cultures around the world as a strategy for peace.
  3. Demonstrate tolerance and respect for different views and perspectives as an approach to conflict resolution.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the reasons for conflict in the contemporary world in order to develop strategies for peace.

Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete the District General Education Pattern, CSUGE or IGETC.
    If transferring to a CSU or UC students are strongly recommended to complete the CSUGE or IGETC General Education Patterns. Students looking to transfer to an out of state or private college should consult with a counselor for the appropriate GE pattern selection.
  2. Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
  3. Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
  4. Meet the local area requirement of Kinesiology/Dance.
Required courses:
HUM 123Introduction to Peace Studies - Saving Civilization3
HUM 130Conflict Analysis and Resolution3
BIOL 145Environmental Science3
POLI 116International Relations3
SOC 202Contemporary Social Problems3
Select one (1) of the following courses:
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology3
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology - Honors
Great Religions of the World3
Select one (1) of the following courses:
History of the Vietnam War3
Philosophy - Ethics3
Introduction to Social Psychology3
Total Units:21

2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.

*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.

Note: Co-requisite MATH course (2 units) and/or substitute ENGL 101E (5 units) may be needed based on placement.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
COUN 206 Pathways to Careers in STEM 3
HUM 123 Introduction to Peace Studies - Saving Civilization 3
ENGL 101
Reading and Composition
or Reading and Composition - Honors
4
MATH 160
Mathematics for Everyday Living - A Liberal Arts Course
or Introductory Statistics
or Introductory Statistics - Honors
4
 Units14
Winter Term 1
SPCH 100
Interpersonal Communication
or Interpersonal Communication - Honors
or Public Address
or Public Address - Honors
3
 Units3
Spring Term 1
BIOL 145 Environmental Science 3
HUM 130 Conflict Analysis and Resolution 3
ENGL 103
Composition and Critical Thinking
or Composition and Critical Thinking - Honors
or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking
or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking - Honors
3
SOC 201
Introduction to Sociology
or Introduction to Sociology - Honors
3
 Units12
Summer Term 1
HIST 111
History of the African-Americans to 1876
or History of the African-Americans since 1876
or History of Women in the United States
3
 Units3
Fall Term 2
HIST 155 History of the Vietnam War 3
POLI 116 International Relations 3
ESCI 110
Earth Science
or Physical Geology
4
ARCH 250
History of Architecture: Prehistory to Mannerism
or History of Architecture: Baroque to the Present Day
or Ethnic Voices in Film
3
 Units13
Winter Term 2
ETHN 101
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
or Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies
3
 Units3
Spring Term 2
SOC 202 Contemporary Social Problems 3
SOC 220 Introduction to Gender 3
SOC 118 Race and Ethnicity 3
ANTH 210
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
or Introduction to Cultural Anthropology - Honors
or Great Religions of the World
3
KIN 170
Fitness for Life
or Health and Wellness
or Health and Wellness - Honors
or Introduction to Nutrition
3
 Units15
 Total Units63

 Note: Course selections may affect total unit value.  

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.

 

To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.