College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 2015-2016 Catalog

240 examination of the definitions, causes, and consequences of political violence, as well as consider the different means to countering political violence. MACS 6663 – Introduction to Peace Studies This graduate seminar explores theories of peace and war, as well as the promotion of peace. This seminar provides students with an in-depth understanding various depictions of peace, emphasizing the concepts of positive peace, social justice, and international development. Peace will be examined systemically, highlighting connections between the experience of peace at the personal, community, national, and international levels. Students will therefore also investigate the relationships that human nature and culture have with peace, war, and violence. In addition, the course will investigate how international bodies promote peace and mitigate the effects of war. Students will also examine the causes of war and just war theory. The field of peace studies will be outlined as well, including a brief history of the field. MACS 6664 – Restorative and Transitional Justice This graduate seminar explores the theory and practice of both restorative justice and transitional justice. This seminar provides students with an in-depth understanding of the theory upon which restorative justice and transitional justice practice rest. Various forms of practice, stemming from diverse practice settings, are also examined, including: victim- offender mediation, victim-offender dialogue in cases of severe violence, family group conferencing, peacemaking circles, and restorative justice practice in schools. The seminar offers students opportunities to role-play and practice restorative justice skills. Forms of transitional justice are also surveyed, particularly truth and reconciliation commissions and their work around the globe. MACS 6665 – Irish Social Conflict This graduate seminar explores conflict at the societal-level in Ireland. Two case studies will be used to investigate Irish conflict. First, the conflict over Northern Ireland will be examined. In this conflict, students will consider Ireland’s historical conflict with Britain and how it led to the conflict between Irish Catholics and British Protestants in Northern Ireland. Then the current conflict dynamics and those of the recent past will be considered, culminating in the Good Friday Agreement and the relative state of peaceful co-existence that exists today. Different conflict resolution strategies employed in the conflict will also be examined (like the use of restorative justice). The course will also examine the intra- Irish social conflict between the settled Irish and the Irish travelers. The travelers had a historic role as tin smiths in Irish society but, as this livelihood was left behind, their nomadic lifestyle and different culture led to a broad, long-term societal conflict between themselves and the settled Irish. This seminar will explore this conflict and consider current conditions of travelers, some of the underlying drivers of the conflict (like culture and power differences), and some of the ways that travelers have attempted to protect their culture and lifestyle in Ireland (such as through the traveler’s social movement). MACS 6666 - Social Advocacy for Patients and Clients This course examines strategies for developing advocacy toward marketing ideas, achieving buy in from others and shaping opinion. It includes strategies for developing advocacy on behalf of patients and clients in other settings as well as teaching individuals and other groups how to bets advocate for themselves. The course will draw upon research in the fields of persuasion, power relations, and public advocacy. Topics covered will include: developing messages, context of communicating messages, emotional tenor of advocacy and creating a persuasive message.