Peace and justice program for UVSC students

Fomer Staff Writer

November 12, 2007

schedule 2 min read

Many students desire to make the world a better place, but don’t know how or where to start. The peace and justice studies program, or PJST, at UVSC just may provide them with answers to those questions.

"In a world permeated by violence and injustice, the peace and justice studies program at [UVSC] has as its mission the understanding of effective means to achieve peace and justice at interpersonal, community, state, national and international levels," according to a brochure produced by the department.

"Through intellectual engagement, we work to understand reasons for and solutions to the complex problems of violence and injustice and to contribute to peaceful and just alternatives."

PJST presents a wide variety of classes throughout many departments and across numerous disciplines. Over 40 courses are offered in subjects such as criminal justice, history, political science, anthropology, biology, communications, philosophy and sociology. Classes not officially offered through the program, however, may be approved for PJST credit by the program advisor.

Students wishing to earn a degree in the program have several options. A major in integrated studies with an emphasis in peace and justice studies may be obtained; a minor is also offered.

"It is the intention of our program that peace and non-violence are investigated at multiple levels, from the realm of the personal and familial to international structures, conventions, institutions and history. Likewise, justice and injustice are interrogated across the same range of inquiry," read the PJST brochure.

In addition to courses, the program also offers a series of lectures and other presentations. On Nov. 15, the department will host Julianne Fitzgerald, the Utah Coordinator of the Campaign for the U.S. Department of Peace. Her lecture, "Why We Need a Department of Peace," will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in SC 206 C.

For more information on the department or upcoming lectures, visit the PJST office in LA 109, log onto www.uvsc.edu/peaceandjustice, or contact program director Michael Minch.