Turbulent times like ours call for people who understand systems of violence and conflict, and who are prepared to build peace with justice. This involves identifying and transforming systems of violence, marginalization, and oppression, including racist, gendered and colonial violence at home as well as around the world. Whether working locally or globally, Peace and Conflict Studies is committed to imagining, educating, and ongoing learning that equips our graduates to pursue justice and peace.
PACS as a department is located on territory that is governed by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum and land promised to the Six Nations Confederacy in 1784 as part of the Haldimand Declaration. For more information, see Conrad Grebel University College's land acknowledgement and read about decolonization at the University of Waterloo's Office of Indigenous Relations.
Why Study Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS)?
Learn diverse ways to promote peace, equitable justice, and social change through a vibrant interdisciplinary program that combines the study of history, political science, sociology, and psychology to understand better the causes and impact of interpersonal, communal, and international conflicts and violence in different societies. You will explore theory, research, and practice in classes taught by leading peace and justice scholars and practitioners. As an arts student, you will bring a unique perspective and set of skills to peace and conflict studies. Your creativity, critical thinking, and empathy can help contribute to finding new and innovative solutions to the complex challenges of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Take courses on conflict mediation, non-violent social change, gender and peacebuilding, religion and culture, environment, community transformation, human rights and social justice, refugees and forced migration, negotiation strategies, trauma, healing, and restorative justice.
Prepare to become a peace practitioner, community leader, or entrepreneur in conflict management programs or work with community and international development organizations, education systems, law firms, social services, refugee resettlement program support agencies, and more after graduation.
Who are PACS graduates?
PACS graduates have gone into many careers and used their training in different ways.
To learn more about what students can do after they graduate from PACS, check out our alumni profiles
Events
Make a Difference (MAD) - Holiday Market
Make a Difference (MAD) Holiday Market: Shop, Support, and Give Back!
Join us on November 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Conrad Grebel University College for our "Holiday Make a Difference" event! This festive gathering brings together local vendors and artisans for a day of community, shopping, and giving back. Discover unique gifts and support small businesses while helping us make a positive impact this holiday season.
In addition to our vendor market, we’ll have a silent auction and a door prize you can enter by making a monetary donation or contributing an item from the oneROOF Youth Services KW wishlist at the entrance. Your contributions will go toward supporting oneROOF Youth Services and helping KW Youth in need this winter.
Find information about what oneROOF Youth Services needs most here: Donate Items — oneROOF Youth Services
Event Details:
- Date: November 30, 2024
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Conrad Grebel University College
- Highlights: Vendor booths, silent auction, door prize entry with donation, holiday treats, and more!
Bring your holiday spirit and a desire to make a difference in the lives of youths at oneRoof. We look forward to seeing you there!
News
Theresa Strutt: On Empathy and Trauma Transformation
Since she began her studies in the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) program in September, Theresa Strutt has been reflecting critically on the way that peace processes can both combat and reinforce existing structural inequalities in our society.
Michelle Jackett (PACS 2011): On Repairing Harm Within Complex Systems
In the grand scheme of our complex world, it is challenging to decide where you, as an individual, can make the greatest impact. For Peace and Conflict Studies alumni Michelle Jackett, making a difference meant finding her niche, building her expertise, and going all-in.
Bonnie Klassen: On Embracing Change
Transition is both a natural and challenging part of life, and it is something that PACS alumni Bonnie Klassen has become very familiar with. After 27 years living and working in Colombia, Bonnie recently moved back to Canada, bringing with her years of experience working towards justice and peace in a global context.