The Peace and Conflict Transformation Specialization will provide a theoretical understanding of human conflict and practical training in interpersonal and intrapersonal communication, cultural dialogues, reflection, and mediation skills. This program is especially suitable for those preparing for a career in conflict intervention, social advocacy, human rights, and family mediation, or for those hoping to add conflict intervention and transformation practices to their existing skill set.
This two-year, 36-credit program is offered in a low-residency format, in which students start each year with an 8-day residency on Lesley’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During the residency you’ll take classes, meet with faculty members, conduct research, and network with peers. Between residencies you’ll continue your studies in your home community and communicate regularly with faculty and peers via email, phone, and online tools.
View the program of study for the M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Peace and Conflict Transformation
Sample Course Descriptions
Foundations of Conflict Transformation
3 credits
Initiates students into the theoretical concepts of Conflict Transformation through an examination of the roots of interpersonal, groups, systemic and global conflicts. Students explore the interplay between social-psychological, religious, structural and cultural factors in order to analyze the dynamics of power and conflict at work in different settings.
Culture, Negotiation, and Responding to Conflict
3 credits
Exploration of the concepts and development of the skills of negotiation, mediation, and third-party action that are central to the effective resolution of situation-specific intercultural conflict.
Creative Approaches to Peace and Conflict Transformation
3 credits
This course will explore creative ways to address issues of personal identity, differences, and conflict through the use of the arts. Through artistic engagement, the course addresses issues relating to intrapersonal, interpersonal, sociocultural, institutional, and spiritual dimensions of conflict. Students will have an opportunity to creatively explore personal responses to conflict and to learn arts-based approaches to working with difference.
Faculty Spotlight
Frank Trocco
Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
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Marion Nesbit
Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
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