The Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution is the core degree option within IPCR. The 39-credit program explores the following critical issues: theories on the causes of war and organized violence at the international and intra-national levels, alternative approaches to resolving and preventing conflict, approaches to peacemaking, the formation of cooperative global relationships, cross-cultural negotiation, crisis management and response, and individual and community transformation.

The following four course descriptions are required courses for master's students in IPCR.  These courses are usually offered in both fall and spring semesters.  
 

Peace Paradigms (SIS 607)

This course examines the history and development of contending approaches to peace, their basic assumptions and methodologies, and their application to current conflict situations, with particular emphasis upon the following: peace through coercive power; peace through nonviolence; peace through world order; and peace through personal and community transformation.
 

Conflict Analysis and Resolution (SIS 609)

This course explores conflict resolution as a field of inquiry and research; perspectives, theories, and assumptions underlying conflict analysis and conflict resolution; and contending approaches to conflict resolution training and practice. A case analysis approach is used to examine the role of contemporary issues in conflict situations.
 

Theory of Conflict, Violence and War (SIS 610)

Survey of the theoretical and empirical literature on the causes and conditions of conflict, particularly conflict which is expressed violently at all levels.  Includes analyzing violence at the individual level, defining violence (physical, economic, social, cultural, systematic) and why societies support violence.
 

Culture, Peace and Conflict Resolution: Alternatives to Violence (SIS 606)

This course examines the complex role of culture in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.  Historically grounded conceptualizations of culture are reviewed in terms of their international relations application.  The course identifies core patterns of cultural differences in values and beliefs, interpretive frames, and behaviors that impact on peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts.  Also examines specific conflict intervention approaches in terms of their cross-cultural applicability.