Questions and Answers

Consortium for Peace Studies Questions and Answers

1. What is Peace Studies? Peace Studies is an interdisciplinary research program that examines why war, violence and conflict have played such a large part in human history, and seeks to use new understanding to find new ways that promote healthy global communities through peace, non-violence and conflict resolution. It is centred on the core value that peace is a possible and desirable state for the individual and for humanity as a whole.
   
   
2. What specific projects is the Consortium for Peace Studies working on? 2006-2007 was an exciting year at the Consortium for Peace Studies! We have experienced growth in many areas including research, global outreach, and membership. This year we connected with the Japanese peace movement when we awarded Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba of Hiroshima with the first Calgary Peace Prize.  Additionally we strengthened our arts component with the first PeacePlay, which attracted submissions from across Canada. Our PeaceTalk series continued to grow with five presentations this year. Dr. Jim Whitman from the University of Bradford, UK, was one of our PeaceTalk series speakers, as well as our first University of Calgary Research Fellow in Peace Studies. He has been working with our Peace Studies committee to develop a strategy for our research and education mandate.  We look forward to continuing with these activities in the coming year.
   
   
3. Why aren't you a research centre? While research and peace education are a primary part of our work, the University of Calgary has strict guidelines regarding research centres and research institutes. Currently, the Consortium for Peace Studies cannot meet the University's fiscal requirements, nor have we initated the lengthy approvals process required to become an official research centre or research institute. We continue to explore the possibility of evolving into a research centre in the future.
   
   
4. Why isn't there a Peace Studies program for students at the University of Calgary? The University of Calgary's Major in Peace and Conflict Studies was deleted from the Calendar in 1999, after the program's suspension in 1994. Both the suspension and the deletion of the program were due in part to cutbacks. The Consortium for Peace Studies is examining the possibility of working with the University to introduce a Certificate in Peace Studies or a Minor in Peace Studies.

If you would like to find out more about the Centre's activities, please contact the CPS at email: peaceuc@ucalgary.ca or  telephone: +1 (403) 220-2136