Please see the main Peace Studies pages for more information.
About this course
Peace studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the prevention and solution of conflicts. Disciplines involved may include political science, economics, psychology, sociology, international relations, history, anthropology, religious studies, and gender studies, as well as a variety of others. The concept of peace will be addressed by way of readings, experiential class activities, guest speakers, film, educational videos, and class discussions. Radford University’s Peace Studies program was founded over 15 years ago by Dept. of Philosophy Prof. Glen Martin and others at RU.
Class time and location
3 – 4pm MWF — Cook Hall 313
Instructor and Office Hours
Prof. Bill Kovarik, Ph.D.
Ph: 831-6033 Office Hours: 2 – 3 MWF
Office location: Basement, 704 Fairfax
Email — bill.kovarik at gmail.com or wkovarik at radford.edu
Textbook
Approaches to Peace, by David Barash. Oxford University Press.
Resources
RU Peace Studies web site
Desire to Learn (D2L): Log in using your regular RU login and password. Information about assignments and grading, quizzes and other other class resources are available here.
Readings: Open access and published books. Both for class and general use.
Peace games: Optional project credit for exploration and analysis.
- People Power game –Game of civil resistance and peaceful politics.
- World Peace game — Pitched at elementary education level
- World Game Institute – Far too expensive for RU, but potentially interesting.
- Create your own game — Anything is possible.
Policies
Respect: Students and faculty are jointly responsible for maintaining an open and respectful earning environment. All people will be treated with understanding, dignity and respect. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender variance, and nationalities.
Attendance: Attendance will be recorded for all of our sessions. Attendance is a positive factor in the grade, not only in terms of points but also in terms of understanding the materials. Serious attendance problems may result in additional grade reductions.
Late policy: Late completion of projects will result in reduction of grades
Disabilities policy: We are glad to work with all students to accommodate disabilities on a non-discriminatory basis. Students with special needs may be required to clear accommodations through the disabilities resource office of the university.
Honor Code: By accepting admission to this university, each student makes a commitment to understand, support and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception.
Plagiarism — Students who directly copy work from anyone else, without attribution, will not pass the class and will also be reported to the Dean of Students office.
Laptops and cell phones – Disruptions and distractions aren’t welcome in class, so: 1) Laptop and cell phone sounds should always be off. and 2) if you are not using your mobile devices for class, you will be asked to turn them off; 3) At some times, when we have guest speakers or tests, all mobile devices will be off.