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New CTS Grad Wants to Work for Peace
CHICAGO, IL (May 9, 2005) - Julie Langer, the first student to complete a
certificate in Conflict Transformation Studies (CTS) at North Park
University, says she hopes to work for a peace organization in another
part of the world following her graduation last Saturday.
Langer said she is pursuing opportunities with organizations such as
Christian Peace Makers, which seeks to mediate conflicts around the
world. Langer said she would like to work in Colombia before pursuing a
master's degree at the Joan B. Croc Institute for International Peace
Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
Last summer, Langer spent an internship with the American Friends
Service Committee. She crossed the country with the organization's 'Eyes
Wide Open" exhibit on the Iraq War.
A communications major, Langer never imagined this kind of future when
she arrived at the campus. That changed when she took an introductory
course to conflict transformation. "It was just a class I heard about,"
she says "I found that this was exactly what I wanted to do."
Students pursuing the certificate are taught to explore creative,
nonviolent means to transform conflict. They develop skills in processes
such as negotiation, conflict management and peace building.
Students must study in a broad range of departments at the university in
order to obtain the certificate, notes Bob Hostetter, professor of
communication arts. The certificate program was created largely through
the efforts of Hostetter, Don Wagner, director of the Center for Middle
Eastern Studies and professor of Middle Eastern studies, and Leona
Mirza, professor of mathematics education.
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