The undergraduate major and minor in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (CAR) is a program of The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. This program offers the first major in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at a Virginia public institution, as well as the first in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Conflict occurs in many contexts, from a vehement dispute between two individuals to a cycle of violence between ethnic groups. Conflict Analysis and Resolution (CAR) offers students a B.A., B.S., or minor in a growing interdisciplinary social science field with practical applications. The CAR perspective emphasizes analyzing the sources and dynamics of conflict and developing the means for resolution toward lasting peace.
All CAR students take a series of core courses that provide a background in conflict theory, analysis, and conflict resolution skills. Required bridge courses cover conflict analysis and resolution at three levels: interpersonal conflict, community/organizational conflict, and global conflict. After selecting a level of conflict as a concentration, students choose courses from units throughout the university that relate to the concentration and their areas of interest, such as anthropology, communication, government, philosophy, psychology, management, sociology and New Century College. The major also requires three credits of field experience in the form of an internship, a service learning opportunity, or study abroad.
The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution has been a pioneer in the field of conflict studies since its inception in 1981. The School offered the first doctoral program in the field in North America, and its faculty continues to be at the forefront of teaching and research. S-CAR is a diverse, interdisciplinary teaching community, including professors with backgrounds in law, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, sociology, and religion.
Partnership with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, New Century College, and other units allows this program to draw on the interdisciplinary strengths and focus of George Mason University. Faculty research and practice specializations include peace processes, globalization, cultural aspects of conflict, mediation and dialogue, terrorism, religion and conflict, identity and other roots of conflict, and various conflicts in the United States and worldwide.
Third Annual Undergraduate Conference
Communications Technologies and Conflict Dynamics: Continuity or Change?
April 19, 2012
Research Hall, Fairfax Campus
The last couple of years have witnessed multiple events which suggest that new communications technologies, including mobile phones, the Internet, and social media platforms, are playing a new role in the relationships between people, communities and societies. When discussing the Arab Spring; the spring 2011 riots that swept first through London and later through other cities in England; the San Francisco Bay area BART system shutting down mobile phone coverage as demonstrators were travelling to protest sites; the tragic events on the Rutgers University campus when a young man committed suicide following the internet broadcast of his homosexual encounter; or the Chinese government’s use of social media platforms as a new form of surveillance; and many other current events it is hard to escape the presence of new communications technologies. But what is their impact on conflict dynamics? Are the new communications technologies fundamentally reshaping how people, communities, and societies mobilize and engage others? Or has the role of these new technologies in shaping social mobilization and conflict been overstated and overplayed by the media?
Call for Papers
The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR) at George Mason University invites undergraduate students to participate in the Third Annual Undergraduate Conference by submitting a research paper, multimedia project, performance, or an exhibit for presentation on this year’s theme,
“Communications Technologies and Conflict Dynamics: Continuity or Change?”
Students are asked to submit abstracts for papers or projects that address issues or topics related to this theme. Such topics may include but not be limited to:
Social media and social mobilization; protests and riots; transnational activism;
community relations; cyber-bullying; electronic platforms and government surveillance; and many more.
Submission of Abstracts or Description of Project
Papers and projects will be accepted based on the abstracts submitted. Students whose papers are accepted will have the opportunity to present their papers on a panel at the conference.
All abstracts of proposed papers and projects should be submitted to the S-CAR Undergraduate Program by February 3, 2012 via this information form: http://goo.gl/NJqrC
Abstracts should be 200 to 500 words and address the key components of your research paper or project.
Please contact Brydin Banning at bbanning@gmu.edu with any questions.