Ph.D. in Peace Studies and Anthropology
What are the cultural, social, and historical dimensions of structural violence? How does an ethnographic focus create the possibility for conflict transformation?
The Peace Studies and Anthropology program equips students with the theoretical and methodological tools of anthropology to answer these and related questions. Ethnographic and historical methodologies facilitate in-depth understanding of local contexts and make important contributions to conflict and peace processes as they are experienced on the ground.
The joint degree program allows students to focus on their particular ethnographic project while embedding them in the theoretical and historical traditions of both anthropology and peace studies. In conducting their research, students immerse themselves within the cultural and social contexts of their project, often learning new languages, living within the community in which they work, and developing an ethnographically informed perspective. Dissertation work is informed by both peace studies and anthropology and often includes emerging topics such as climate change and social movements.
Faculty Contact: Catherine Bolten, Associate Professor of Anthropology & Peace Studies
Student & Alumni Testimonials
“The anthropological methods and theories I’m learning are enriched by the interdisciplinary and engaged lens that peace studies offers. Analyzing the complexities of violent conflict with peers in multiple disciplines and using diverse methods and bodies of literature has expanded my capacity for innovation, given me broad perspective, and contributed significantly to my professional development as a budding scholar and engaged practitioner.” — Angela Lederach, Ph.D. student in peace studies & anthropology
"The joint Ph.D. program in anthropology and peace studies offers a truly unique opportunity to engage multiple scholarly perspectives and thus generate innovate approaches to both theory and practice. I’ve benefited enormously from the opportunity to ground my inquiries in anthropological methods and theories, while maintaining my focus on the conflict-themed research topics that will drive my long-term career. Our interdisciplinary environment offers a rare gift to graduate students by allowing us to engage committed scholars who approach some of the world’s most pressing research topics in methodologically diverse ways." — Kristina Hook, Ph.D. student in peace studies & anthropology
Contact
Caroline Hughes
Director of Doctoral Studies
Kathryn Sawyer Vidrine
Assistant Director for Doctoral Studies