M.A. Program in Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs

Program Rationale

The M.A. in Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs offers an ethical response to contemporary global problems.  The purpose of this interdisciplinary program, which is offered jointly by the Department of Philosophy and Religion in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Peace and Conflict Resolution Division (IPCR) in the School for International Service at American University, is to prepare students broadly in the practical application of ethical theory and policy analysis to difficult ethical choices in global affairs, and specifically to the dynamics of war and peace and conflict resolution.  Hallmarks of the major include interdisciplinary inquiry, solid grounding in the foundational concepts and issues of both philosophical ethics as well as international affairs, practical applications of ethical and policy analysis to contemporary social problems in global affairs, and interactive teaching utilizing case studies, simulations, interactive exercises, and intensive class discussion.

In preparing graduates to be ethical and responsible leaders, this program directly supports the global vision of American University.  The program builds directly on the intersections between the IPCR idea of “positive peace” and contemporary ethical theory.   Students in the program select one of six different tracks--specially selected sets of courses in a content area of specialization--that they will pursue to forward their career goals.

1.  Human Rights and Social Justice

2.  Peace and Conflict Resolution

3.  Global Environmental Justice

4.  Ethics of Development

5.  International Economic Justice

6.  Global Governance & International Organizations

Students may tailor their program in a more academic direction by writing a traditional Master's thesis, or in more applied ways, by completing a substantial paper and undertaking an internship with an organization related to their intended career field.

For more information, see the on-line Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs student handbook:  http://www.american.edu/academic.depts/cas/philorel/epgahandbook.htm

Or contact the program co-directors:

Professor Julie Mertus, IPCR, SIS, x 2215,  mertus@american.edu

Professor Lucinda Peach, Department of Philosophy and Religion, CAS, x 2926, lpeach@american.edu