Courses Offered at Gandhi Bhavan: 1. MA in Peace and Conflict Resolution. 2. Ph.D in Gandhian Studies. 3. Diploma in Gandhian Studies. MASTER OF ARTS IN PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION The Peace and Conflict Resolution programme was launched in the academic year of 2011 at Gandhi Bhavan (one of the first Gandhi Bhavans to be established in India, way back in 1962), University of Mysore. This course happens to be the first of its kind in South India with other very few courses on similar lines in North India launched in Indian Universities. In different settings, this field of study is known variously as "peace and conflict studies," "peace and security studies," "peace and world order studies," "justice and reconciliation studies," and so on. What distinguishes this field from others; however, is a concern with the modalities of peace and the methods of peacemaking. This course is expected to focus towards interdisciplinary explorations on conflict resolution, peace building, humanitarian assistance, and other alternative mechanisms that seek to prevent and control violence, analyze the causes of war and systemic oppression, and explores processes by which conflict and change can be managed so as to maximize justice while minimizing violence. It is a multidisciplinary study, encompassing elements of political science, geography, economics, philosophy, psychology, sociology, international relations, history, anthropology, war studies, journalism, nuclear disarmament, diplomacy, religious studies, defense studies and gender studies, as well as a variety of others. Conflicts are inevitable aspect of human interaction with consequences that are far reaching and often severely damaging. When conflicts are channelized constructively into the processes of resolution, it can be beneficial to make a difference.The Preamble to the Constitution of UNESCO declares that "since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed". Building peace in the minds of men and women has been the need of the hour in a world raged with conflict and violence. There is a need to groom young people to understand the complexities of our societies, sensitize them to diversity and give them tools for resolution. The world needs harbingers of peace. As proclaimed by United Nations Charter, higher education for peace with an aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence can be achieved through a non-traditional course like this. Career Paths: Entry level positions in the peace and conflict field are diversified and often highly competitive. This field has no direct or specified career path. Acquiring essential skills in the peace and conflict resolution field can be initiated through involvement and concern with the social issues affecting most communities. An understanding and knowledge of history and how it applies to a conflict situation as well as strong cross-cultural interaction skills are valuable assets in this field. Demand:The unprecedented changes in the world community have not prevented conflict from continuing unabated. Thus, the demand for new, more effective means to resolve conflicts between nations and peoples increases the opportunities in the field. Many of the mediation skills can be acquired in a domestic setting and then transferred to the international arena, and many volunteer opportunities can lead to full-time employment opportunities. As an interdisciplinary field conflict resolution positions can be found in a variety of organizations not traditionally thought of as “Peace Groups”, International organizations like The United Nations, Amnesty International, Non-Violence International, Peace Vox,World Policy Institute and development organizations like CARE and CRS are increasingly recognizing the important linkage between development and conflict resolution. The creation of the World Bank’s Post-Conflict Unit and the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service demonstrate that governmental and multilateral organizations are also recognizing the importance of this growing field. Eligibility:- 1.Any degree to MA – PCR CourseEx:- BA, B.Com, BSc
