module specification

The module examines the dynamics of conflict in the contemporary world and the insitutions and organisations working for peace.  It analyses the objectives and methods of particular organisations, with an emphasis on their policies and practices.  The module also provides an introduction to the core practical skills considered essential for anyone working in the fields of conflict prevention, crisis management or peacebuilding as well as the dilemmas they frequently face.

Successful completion of Certificate level in Peace and Conflict Studies (single or joint)

The module develops the graduate attributes A1, A2 and A3.
The module aims to:
1. provide an understanding of some of the institutions and organisations (governmental and non-governmental) that work in conflict situations;
2. analyse the varied objectives and methods of such organisations;
3. introduce the core practical skills for work in relevant fields, thus enhancing employability

Violent conflict in the contemporary world and the forces that generate it; international institutions with responsibilities to counteract or reduce conflict; peacekeeping, conflict prevention, crisis management, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding; the range and varied roles of the NGO sector in working for peace; practical skills.

Workshops, lectures, and practical work.

By the end of the module, students should:
1. understand the differing objectives of various institutions and organisations working for peace (A2);
2. appreciate the range of methods used in the attempt to realise these objectives (A2);
3. have a basic appreciation of the key practical skills for work in the fields of conflict prevention, crisis management or peacebuilding (A3);
4. demonstrate the capacity for both individual and team-work in a relevant area (A1).

The assessment strategy emphasises research and practical skills both for working in peace organisations and in other forms of employment. 
1. An individual briefing paper of 2500 words for someone about to be sent to work in an area of conflict, providing necessary background to the dynamics of the situation and the particular concerns for the organisation involved;
2. A 2000 word seminar log reflecting on the main themes of the module, especially the skills peace workers require to be successful and the dilemmas they frequently face in the field.

Barash, D and C. Webel, Peace and Conflict Studies, 2nd edition (London: Sage, 2008).
Bellamy, A. J. and P. D. Williams with S. Griffin, Understanding Peacekeeping, 2nd edition (Cambridge: Polity, 2010)
Duffield. M. Global Governance and the New Wars (London: Zed Books. 2001)
Edwards, M., 'NGOs on the World Stage', World Economics, Vol.2, No. 3, 2001
Gordeker, L & T. G Weiss, 'Devolving responsibilities: a framework for analysing
NGOs and services', Third World Quarterly, Vol. 18, No. 3, 1997
Polman, L., War Games: The Story of Aid and War in Modern Times (London: Viking, 2010)
Pouligny, P., Peace Operations seen from Below: UN Missions and Local People (London: Hurst 2006)
Richmond, O & H.F.Carey (eds), Subcontracting Peace: The Challenges of NGO Peacebuilding (London: Ashgate, 2005)
Smillie, I, and L.Minear, The Charity of Nations: Humanitarian Action in a Calculating World (West Hartford, CT: Kumarian Press, 2004)
Thakur, R., The United Nations, Peace and Security: From Collective Security to the Responsibility to Protect (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006)
Third World Quarterly Special Issue, NGO Futures: Beyond Aid vol. 21 No. 4, 2000
Van Tongeren, P., H.van de Veen & J.Verhoeven, Searching for Peace in Europe and Eurasia: A Overview of Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Activities (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 2002)
Van Tongeren, P., Brenk, M., Hellema, M., Verhoeven, J., People Building Peace II: Successful Stories of Civil Society (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 2005)
Willetts, P. (ed.), 'The Conscience of the World': The influence of Non-Governmental Organisations in the UN system (London: Hurst, 1996)
Willetts, P., Non-Governmental Organisations in World Politics: The Construction of Global Governance (London: Routledge, 2010)

Useful Websites

Stockholm International Peace Research www.sipri.se/ and web.sipri.org
International Peace Research Institute, Tampere www.uta.fi/laitokset/tapri/eindex.html
International Peace Research Institute, Oslo www.prio.no/
Uppsala University, Department of Peace and Conflict Research www.per.uu.se
Virtual library ‘Peace, Conflict Resolution and International security www.etown.edu/vl/peace.html
International Alert www.international-alert.org/
Search for Common Ground www.sfcg.org/