2022-2023 Academic Catalog

Dec 07, 2025

2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PECO 289 - Advanced Topics in Peace Studies:Peace Building, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution

The purpose of this capstone course is to provide an opportunity for students to synthesize and reflect on theoretical and practical aspects of peace building, mediation and conflict resolution. These aspects are explored at interpersonal, local and international levels. The course involves lectures, visits, and closely working with organizations involved in peace building related activities. It will provide an opportunity to conduct independent research on a Peace and Conflict Studies theme and area selected by the student so that s/he integrates the linkages between the themes, areas, and disciplinary foci of study. The specific focuses and format of the course will vary according to interests of the faculty and availability of field resources.

SPRING 2023 TOPIC: INTRODUCTION TO SUFISM

For over a thousand years, Sufism has been the mystic path of Islam and a dynamic expression of the inner quest of God-consciousness. Therefore, it has been rendered as the heart of Islam.

This course offers a survey of the origins, development, and various expressions of Sufism, Islam’s mystical tradition. The course will begin with an inquiry into how the term “Sufism” has been constructed in modern religious studies, offer an overview of key concepts, and will then shift focus to the historical manifestations of Islamic mysticism in a variety of linguistic and cultural zones.

This will set the stage for a careful presentation of the major concepts, themes, and practices which have animated the Sufi tradition from past to present.

May be repeatable for credit.

Formerly PSTD 289

Prerequisites: PECO 101

Anticipated Terms Offered: Annually