April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
Studies in peace at Siena
"It's valuable," he said of the peace studies. "It opens your eyes to the problems in the world. On a personal level, it helps you use empathy and put yourself in someone else's shoes."
The program was established in 1985 after faculty members felt there was a need for this discipline, explained Edward McGlynn, director of the program and professor of sociology. Siena is the only local college that offers a certificate in Peace Studies.
Francis's example
According to promotional materials, the program is inspired by Judeo-Christian principles of peace and justice, and by the values and example of St. Francis of Assisi, who encouraged humans to be peacemakers in their own lives and in the world at large.Students study such topics as conflict resolution from the interpersonal through the international level; the origin, causes and nature of war; the morality of war; alternatives to violence; social justice and injustice; and intercultural understanding.
Dr. McGlynn said the program attracts students from many disciplines, including sociology, English, social work and political science.
Handling conflict
"Conflict is an aspect of everyday life," Dr. McGlynn said. "You have to learn how to handle it. If you don't have internal peace, you can't bring it to other people."Mr. Fitzpatrick said the dispute mediation course most impressed him. "I think about what I want to say," he said. "I'm better at listening, and I look for the middle ground."
Those skills, he said, have helped him in his interpersonal relationships while studying peace has opened his eyes to conflicts in the world "that people don't even know about."
Peace skills
As more people incorporate peace-building skills into their own lives, Dr. McGlynn thinks conflict will be reduced in the world. "We can see a world where conflict is less omnipresent," he said.Peace skills are important for all people to develop because "peace builds. You can use these lessons later in life whether you are Secretary of State or a parent."
(For more information on Siena's Peace Studies Program, visit the college's website at www.siena.edu.)
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