This is a case study of the development of a new peace studies program at Citrus College in Glendora, California, the third such program at a California community college. The program began in the spring semester of 2016 when the cornerstone course, Humanities 123 – Introduction to Peace Studies, was taught for the first time. The course is an introduction to peace and conflict studies, with an emphasis on war's destructive impact on culture. The course examines the systematic approaches that combatants have historically used to obliterate the cultural heritage of their battlefield opponents. It encourages tolerance and respect for different perspectives, as well as hope for peaceful conflict resolution. The chapter reviews the course content, as well as student reactions to the material. Overall, the students find the course to be rewarding and are surprised at how interesting peace studies can be. The program is now being expanded to include a study abroad component in Oslo, Norway.
California Community College Faculty and Staff Help Address Student Mental Health Issues
