The Conflict Studies Program

The Conflict Studies Program at DePauw University brings together a number of academic disciplines that focus on conflict as one of their organizing concepts.  Because of its ubiquity and significance in human life, the study of the processes, dynamics, and resolution of conflict is increasingly claiming a central place in not only how we understand, but also engage the world.  Conflict is a fundamental element of the human condition.  Whenever two or more human beings get together, conflict exists.  Yet, considering the omnipresence of conflict, we should note just how few educated people have even the most basic understanding of what conflict is, not to mention any capacity for giving critical analysis of conflict processes and dynamics.

As a growing academic discipline conflict studies aims to provide students with an understanding of conflict processes and dynamics so as to develop the analytical skills necessary to be able to make structural and relational change possible.  On one side, we can identify the pragmatic nature of conflict studies.  It is a practical proposition to develop approaches for understanding and handling conflict.  Yet, understanding and handling conflict is far from an objective, politically neutral proposition. 

Though often we are eager to get at the resolution part of conflict analysis, the Conflict Studies Program at DePauw invites us to first think about the types, causes, and dynamics of conflict as substantial areas of social science inquiry.  This does not mean that conflict studies ignores or downplay the importance of outcomes.  The assumption is that successful handling of conflict outcomes requires careful attention to types, causes, and dynamics.   Our experience tells us that the critical reasoning skills necessary to succeed in the Conflict Studies Program represent a balance between social-psychological theory and in-depth case study.  We invite you to follow the links at right to learn more about our program, and we hope that you will join us in working to understand conflict’s destructive characteristics, as well as, its constructive potential. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Conflict Commons

Next Conflict Commons:
Tuesday, March 9, 11:40 am – 12:30 pm

Topic: Community Art and Building Town/Gown Relations

Bring your Lunch

Terrace Room A, UB

Upcoming Speakers

Jim Keady: March 11
Social Justice In Business

Dr. Yaso Nadarajah: March 15-19
Work in Papua New Guinea, Malaysia

Mr. Haresh Dalvi: April 8, 11:40am - 12:30pm, 7:30pm
Experiences in Dalit (ex - untouchable) rights/contention awareness.

 

Coming in April:
Vikash Yadev
David Burrell
Motion Picture: “Precious”
Motion Picture: “Them”
The Santa Anita Coffee Guys, Guatemala

Past CFT Speakers:
Yevgeniy Fiks: March
Post-Soviet Artist
More Informatin