Peace and Social Justice Studies B.A.
Degree Requirements
A major in Peace and Social Justice Studies is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses
| PSJ 100 | Fnd of Peace & Social Justice | 1 Course Credit |
| PSJ 205 | Movements & Commnty Organizing | 1 Course Credit |
| PSJ 218 | Voices of Non-violence | 1 Course Credit |
| PSJ 305 | Peacebuilding | 1 Course Credit |
Required Research Methods Course
One social research methods course, chosen from:
| SOC 335 | Methods of Social Research | 1 Course Credit |
| SOC 360/CFS 360 | Soc Policy Study & Eval Resrch (CFS) | 1 Course Credit |
Required Capstone Course
| PSJ 450 | Sem. in Peace & Social Justice | 1 Course Credit |
Required PSJ Distribution Courses
Three (3) additional elective course credits, at least one from each category. Internships may only be counted for credit toward one elective course.
Building Peace
| AFR 305/COM 305 | Interracial Communication(COM) | 1 Course Credit |
| COM 206 | Interpersonal Communication | 1 Course Credit |
| COM 207 | Intercultural Communication | 1 Course Credit |
| COM 305/AFR 305 | Interracial Communication(AFR) | 1 Course Credit |
| PHI 207/PSC 207 | Human Rights, Intl Law (PSC) | 1 Course Credit |
| PSC 250 | International Relations | 1 Course Credit |
| PSC 351 | International Organizations | 1 Course Credit |
| PSC 355 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 1 Course Credit |
| PSJ 113/COM 113 | Conflict and Mediation (COM) | 1 Course Credit |
| PSJ 395 | Internship | 1 - 3 Course Credits |
| PSJ 495 | Internship | 1 - 3 Course Credits |
Social, Economic and Environmental Justice
Exploring the Major --- Students interested in the major are encouraged to complete PSJ 100 and PSJ 205 within the first two years. Students should also complete as many General Education requirements in the first two years as possible.
Admission to the Major --- Completion of PSJ 100 and at least one other PSJ course, both with a grade of C or higher; satisfactory completion of an interview for admission to the major.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms) --- In the first year, PSJ 100 and/or PSJ 205. In the second year, PSJ 100, PSJ 205 (if not completed), PSJ 218, plus at least one elective. PSJ 305 can be taken in the third or fourth year; PSJ 450 is ideally taken during the fall of the fourth year.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major --- In addition to completing specified course requirements, each student must satisfy departmental standards for effectiveness in communication.
Other Considerations in the Major --- Another appropriate course may be substituted for one of the electives by successful petition to the Peace and Social Justice Department. Transfer students who come to Berea with the experience of having courses in Peace and Social Justice Studies will have their previous courses considered for credit as distribution courses in the PSJ major.