PARC Graduate Studies |
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Interdisciplinary Focal Point
PARC provides an active interdisciplinary base for studies in conflict analysis and resolution for graduate students enrolled in a degree-granting program of the Maxwell School, such as the interdisciplinary International Relations Program or other segments of Syracuse University or the adjacent State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF).
PARC broadens graduate education in the disciplines by supporting opportunities for coursework, research, skills training, and practice in the analysis and resolution of social conflicts.
A number of courses developed by PARC faculty associates are offered by Maxwell, SUNY-ESF, the Law School, and the School of Education. PARC graduate student associates participate in PARC working groups which focus on particular research problems, as well as in other individual and collaborative research on social conflict. PARC provides avenues for skill training and practice, and student and faculty associates are engaged in applied work.
PARC offers Certificates of Advanced Study for completing SOS 601 -- Fundamentals In Social Conflicts and a set of relevant courses in one of four areas: (1) applied conflict resolution, (2) international conflict studies, (3) public participation, social movements and conflict studies (4) environment, culture, identity and conflict studies. Certificates are awarded when the master's or doctoral degree is conferred.
CERTIFICATE FORMResearch
PARC associates believe that theory and practice cannot be separated, and seek to make these inter-relationships more explicit in order to better assess theoretical ideas and methods of practice. PARC associates are particularly interested in analyzing conflicts in ways relevant to their resolution, especially conflicts which appear relatively intractable. PARC associates study international and ethnic conflicts, alternative dispute resolution, environmental conflict, gender studies and interpersonal, organization, and community issues.
Research conducted by PARC students contributes greatly to the intellectual life of the Program.
Some PARC graduate student associates have received fellowships from outside the University for their dissertations:
- "Cayuga Indian Land Claim" (Brain Blancke, Harvard University Program on Negotiation (PoN) Graduate Research Fellowship in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution)
- "National Self-Images, Enemy Images, and Conflict Strategies: The Case of the Malvinas/Falklands War" (Nora Femenia, U.S. Institute of Peace Jennnings Randall Program Dissertation Fellow)
- "The Change Process in Men Who Batter" (William Warters, Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Fellow)
- "The Politics of Ethnic Nationalism in Kazakhstan" (Bahvna Dave, MacArthur Foundation Fellow)
- "The Influence of Regulatory Negotiations on the EPA as an Institution" (Brian Polkinghorn, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Education Fellow)
- "Nonviolent Protective Accompaniment: The Case of
Peace Brigades International" (Patrick Coy, Albert Einstein Fellow)
Graduate Training in Conflict Resolution Skills
- The Summer Institute on Creative Conflict Resolution
Each summer, the Institute offers a comprehensive set of workshops emphasizing competencies in managing conflicts in professional and personal settings. The intensive, one week courses cover theory and skills in communication, problem-solving, mediation, negotiation, leadership, managing diversity, and inter-group and interpersonal conflict resolution.
- The Conflict Management Center
One of the first centers of its kind, CMC assists University students, faculty, and staff in resolving interpersonal disputes creatively and nonviolently. Additionally, CMC designs and conducts trainings in conflict management to a variety of clients within and outside the University.
Educational Funding
Financial aid is administered by the Office of Financial Aid. At the graduate level, fellowships, assistantships and workstudy are available to those qualified.
Teaching, research, and administrative assistantships are offered by PARC and all Maxwell departments. Assistants work 20 hours per week and receive a stipend of approximately $5,000 per semester and a tuition waiver for 12 credits per semester.
Career Opportunities
There is a growing demand for scholars and policy-makers skilled in conflict management and dispute resolution ranging from environmental protests to labor mediation. Colleges and universities are increasing their course offerings in peace and conflict studies. Also, there are career opportunities for students trained in social change and conflict management as teachers, conflict intervenors, consultants, and in government and private organizations concerned with human development and world peace.
For more information about Graduate Studies and the PARC Program: