Conflict Analysis and Trauma Studies

The Undergraduate Minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma Studies (CATS) provides the only academic program in the nation that combines these two complementary areas. Conflict Resolution programs primarily are combined with peace and conflict studies, while the trauma studies programs are predominately in clinical mental health programs (e.g., psychiatry, psychology, social work). The CATS program bridges these two areas, providing the framework and models for individuals, families, groups, communities, and social empowerment and resiliency to heal from conflict, trauma, and loss. The program provides foundational knowledge in microsystems (e.g., individuals, families) and larger social macrosystems (e.g., communities and nations). The program also provides a variety of professional trainings, beyond clinical professions, for post-trauma and post-conflict reconstruction.

CATS Mission Statement

The Undergraduate Minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma Studies provide a theoretical and empirical framework and model for analysis and study of trauma, violence, conflict, and their consequences. This emerging study provides students, faculty, and human service professionals the knowledge for establishing post-trauma and post-conflict reconstruction practice, research, service, and policy to improve interpersonal and social systems.

Educational Objectives of the Program

The Undergraduate Minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma Studies offer students the fundamentals of conflict resolution theory and practice, as well as issues surrounding trauma exposure. It is intended to meet the needs of those individuals who seek introductory training in conflict resolution and those interested in the study of trauma. It may also be appropriate for professionals who have already earned a degree in their professional field, but who would benefit from academic study of applications of trauma and conflict analysis and resolution in their current profession. This program also lends further education on the effects of conflict and violence as well as clinical strategies to help individuals, families, groups and communities recover from conflict and trauma.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

• Understand and apply models for conflict analysis, conflict management, and traumatic stress and have an understanding of approaches to conflict resolution and traumatic stress

Critical Thinking

• Be able to identify and assess sources of conflict and trauma, and design and implement intervention plans for individuals, families, organizations, groups, and communities experiencing conflict and trauma

Communication

• Learn effective written and oral communication skills

Diversity

• Understand values, perceptions, experiences, and assumptions related to their own cultural background and have the ability to make culturally sensitive assessments as a requirement for conflict intervention and traumatic stress prevention

Academic Professional Integrity

• Learn Kansas Judicial Branch rules and ethical standards for mediation
• Understand and adhere to the ISTSS best practice parameters

CATS Requirements

It is intended that the minor in Conflict and Trauma Studies be available upon completion of the eighteen (18) required course hours for the minor. To be awarded a minor, the student (a) must not be on probation, (b) must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on coursework applied to the minor, (c) must meet all the requirements of the student's major program, and (d) must be enrolled during the semester in which the minor's requirements are completed.

Course Options

Core and elective courses are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels; on campus and online.

Core Courses

Required (6 credit hours):

• FSHS 529/759 (3 credit hours) - Understanding Trauma and Traumatic Stress/Foundations of Trauma and Traumatic Stress [offered fall semester]
• FSHS 531/751 (3 credit hours) - Core Conflict Resolution/Conflict Resolution: Core Skills & Strategies [offered every semester]

Elective Courses

Choose a minimum of two courses (6 credit hours) from:

• FSHS 532/752 (3 credit hours) - Conflict across Cultures and Contexts/Culture & Conflict [offered fall semester]
• FSHS 533/753 (3 credit hours) - Prevention & Intervention of Violence/Violence Prevention and Intervention [offered spring semester]
• FSHS 534/754 (3 credit hours) - Conflict in Organizations/Organizational Conflict [offered spring semester]
• FSHS 535/755 (3 credit hours) - Divorce and Child Custody Mediation/Family Mediation [offered summer semester]
• FSHS 536/761 (3 credit hours) - Conflict & Trauma in International Settings/International Conflict & Trauma [offered as study abroad – currently, odd-numbered years to Northern Ireland]
• FSHS 603/763** (3 credit hours) - Coping with Life Crises/Crisis across the Lifespan [offered May and August intersessions]

Additional Course Options

• HIST 551 - History of Family Violence
• POLSC 742 - International Conflict
• PSYCH 540 - Psychology of Women
• PSYCH 563 - Gender Issues in the Workplace
• SOCIO 363 - Global Problems (UG only)
• SOCIO 507 - International Development & Social Change
• WOMST 380 - Women and Global Social Change
• WOMST 551 - History and Politics of Family Violence
• THTRE 673 - Theatre for Conflict Resolution (Drama Therapy)
• COMM 480 - Intercultural Communication
• COMM 542 - Relational Communication
• Other electives or independent study options relevant to the area of conflict resolution and trauma studies

Note: Students wanting to enroll in the CATS minor must fill out the Add Minor and Secondary Major form. This may be obtained from Denise Fangman in 303 Justin Hall. Additionally, this form may be obtained from academic advisors and forwarded on (sans yellow copy for student) to Denise Fangman.

Program Co-coordinators

Terrie R. McCants
309 Justin Hall

(785) 532-1477

Briana Nelson Goff
119 Justin Hall

(785) 532-1490