module specification

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of:

• The key concepts, approaches and paradigms of Conflict Transformation
• The political, social and psychological dynamics behind conflicts
• Crucial issues related to conflicts, such as identity, race, gender and power
• The major strategies and mechanisms available for managing, resolving and transforming conflicts
• The application of Conflict Transformation theories and approaches to real-world conflicts

Key concepts of Conflict Transformation – for example, conflict, violence, peace; conflict resolution, management and transformation LO 1,2,3

Key theories of Conflict Transformation – different models and approaches, including the political, social and psychological dimensions of conflicts LO 1,2,3

Practical processes of Conflict Transformation – including negotiation, mediation and peacebuilding LO 2,3,4

Applying concepts and theories of Conflict Transformation – through practical sessions involving role plays and simulations, and a reflective portfolio LO 4,5

• Teaching involves scheduled classes, involving both the introduction of theories and concepts, and practical simulations in the area of Conflict Transformation. The module will be delivered through combinations of workshops/lectures
• Reflective and independent learning is encouraged through out-of-class reading and preparation for class activities. It is also encouraged by the chosen assessment, a reflective portfolio. This will require students to maintain reflective notes on the material introduced and activities undertaken throughout the module
• The module makes extensive use of blended learning, primarily through its dedicated Weblearn site, including module information, lecture notes and full reading lists
• The module also provides students with a range of opportunities to enhance their employability, especially their participation in in-class practical role plays and simulations, and from their reflective learning and assessment
• Students will be required to attend all classes, to engage in all set activities, to prepare in advance by doing assigned readings, to complete coursework by deadlines, and to reflect on the feedback they receive

On successful completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate:

1. A conceptual understanding of the key concepts, approaches and paradigms of Conflict Transformation
2. A critical understanding of the major strategies and mechanisms available for managing, resolving and transforming conflicts
3. An ability to evaluate different approaches to transforming conflicts and to make judgements about the value, strengths and weaknesses of different ones
4. A deep understanding of how Conflict Transformation theories and approaches may be applied to real-world conflicts
5. The ability to reflect critically upon their learning and present their reflections in writing in a logical and coherent manner

The module is assessed by:

1. Class activity participation (30% of total grade). A mark will be awarded for students’ participation in in-class practical activities, including simulations and role plays. The mark will be for students’ level and quality of engagement with the activities, and their contributions to discussions, reflections and feedback upon them.

2. A 3000-word reflective portfolio (70% of total grade). This will be comprised of students’ written reflections on the main activities and themes of the module compiled over its course. This will include reflections on the theories and concepts introduced, and upon the practical simulations. It will require maintaining reflective notes on the material introduced and activities undertaken throughout the module.

CORE READING

Barash, D. and Webel, C. (2017) Peace and Conflict Studies, 4th edn. (London: Sage)
Ramsbotham, O., Woodhouse, T. and Miall, H. (2016) Contemporary Conflict Resolution, 4th edn. (Cambridge: Polity Press)
Wallensteen, P. (2015) Understanding Conflict Resolution, 4th edn. (London: Sage)

ADDITIONAL READING

Barash, D. (2010) Approaches to Peace: A Reader in Peace Studies, 2nd edn. (Oxford: Oxford University Press)
Bercovitch, J., Kremenyuk, V. and Zartman, I. W. (eds) (2009) The SAGE Handbook of Conflict Resolution (London: Sage)
Butler, M. J. (2009) International Conflict Management (London: Routledge)
Darby, J. and Mac Ginty, R. (eds) (2008) Contemporary Peacemaking: Conflict, Peace
Darweish, Processes and Post-War Reconstruction, 2nd edn. (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan)
M. and Rank, C. (eds) (2012) Peacebuilding and Reconciliation: Contemporary hTemes and Challenges (London: Pluto Press)
Galtung, J. (1996) Peace By Peaceful Means: Peace and Conflict, Development and Civilization (London: Sage)
Galtung, J. (2002) Searching for Peace: The Road to Transcend, 2nd edn. (London: Pluto)
Jacoby, T. (2008) Understanding Conflict and Violence (London: Routledge)
Jeong, H. (2010) Conflict Management and Resolution: An Introduction (London: Routledge)
Lederach, J. P. (2003) The Little Book of Conflict Transformation (Intercourse, PA: Good Books)
Lederach, J. P. (2005) The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace (Oxford: Oxford University Press)
Mac Ginty, R. (2006) No War, No Peace: The Rejuvenation of Stalled Peace Processes and Peace Accords (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan)
Mac Ginty, R. (2011) International Peacebuilding and Local Resistance: Hybrid Forms of Peace (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan)
Miall, H. (2007) Emergent Conflict and Peaceful Change (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan)
Miall, H. et al. (eds) (2015) The Contemporary Conflict Resolution Reader (Cambridge: Polity)
Paris, R. (2004) At War’s End: Building Peace after Civil Conflict (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
Richmond, O. (2005) The Transformation of Peace (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan)
Sandole, D. (2010) Peacebuilding: Preventing Violent Conflict in a Complex World (Cambridge: Polity)
Wallensteen, P. (2011) Peace Research: Theory and Practice (London: Routledge)
Webel, C. and Galtung, J. (eds) (2007) Handbook of Peace and Conflict Studies (London: Routledge)
Wolff, S. and Yakinthou, C. (eds) (2012) Conflict Management in Divided Societies: Theories and Practice (Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge)
Zartman, I. W. (ed.) (2001) Preventive Negotiation: Avoiding Conflict Escalation (Lanham, Md.: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers)

Useful Websites

• Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (www.sipri.org)
• Peace Research Institute Oslo (www.prio.org)
• Uppsala University, Department of Peace and Conflict Research (www.per.uu.se)
• International Alert (www.international-alert.org)
• Search for Common Ground (www.sfcg.org)