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Studying new ways to beat conflict
[02 April 2005] WASHINGTON, D.C. – Georgetown University has launched
a new program leading to a Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution. The
Department of Government, which is running the program, said it hopes
to explore new and creative approaches to solving conflict as disputes
over religion, race and politics dominate the international scene.
The inaugural class will begin in Fall 2005 and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through May 31. Program size will be relatively small - 15 students at most - and courses will be interdisciplinary in nature, focusing on the theoretical, qualitative and scholarly dimensions of the field. Students will also complete at least one course on practical conflict resolution skills.
The program’s broad themes trace the three basic stages of conflict processes including the origins of disputes, mediation and negotiation, and post-conflict peacebuilding.
Students will examine topics such as the role of religion in conflict and conciliation, alternative dispute resolution, multiparty negotiations, third party intervention in civil conflicts, and emerging norms in the resolution of conflict. In addition, courses will address international, domestic, cultural and social perspectives of conflict resolution.
Co-directors of the program are research assistant professor Lise Howard and associate professor Joshua Mitchell. Howard specializes in conflict resolution, peacekeeping and international relations. Mitchell is chair of the Department of Government and an expert on the intersection between political thought and theology. Faculty from a variety of disciplines including psychology, theology, philosophy, sociology, communication, business, law and foreign service will also contribute to the program.
"As demand for specialists in conflict resolution increases, we are excited to leverage Georgetown’s key strengths and offerings to prepare students to succeed in this growing field," said Mitchell.
Georgetown University Provost James J. O'Donnell added: “This new program reinforces Georgetown’s commitment to ethics, inter-faith dialogue, peace and reconciliation.”
Applications and additional program information are available at: Georgetown University
