module specification

This module will provide students with an overview of the issues and challenges faced by organisations seeking to build peace in the 21st-century. In doing so, it will explore the roles of international, state and non-state actors, and their relative strengths and weaknesses, including the United Nations, regional organisations such as the European Union and African Union, and NGOs. A crucial element will be exploring the political, economic and ethical dilemmas faced by such actors. It is a core module for the BA International Relations with Peace and Conflict Studies pathway.

Its aims are to examine:

• Some of the main institutions and organisations that work in conflict situations
• The varied objectives and methods of such organisations
• The differences between types of peace actors, including state and non-state
• Introduce some of the core practical skills for working in relevant peace and conflict fields, thus enhancing employability

None; Available for Study Abroad students

The syllabus will include:

1. Key actors in responding to and resolving conflicts (e.g., the UN, NGOs, regional organizations, businesses) (1, 2)
2. Peacekeeping, conflict prevention, crisis management, humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding (1, 2)
3. Key practical skills for peace work and understanding the types of organisations in which to pursue a career in this field (1, 3)

Teaching will comprise weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures will focus on major theories and practice of peace and conflict. Seminars will involve small group discussions, debates and group work.

This module is practically oriented and a heavy emphasis is placed on employability, which is embedded throughout the module in the following ways: guest lectures and workshops facilitated by practitioners such as non-governmental organisations; simulations and role-play exercises exploring the practicalities of working for peace; the briefing paper component of assessment and related class activities; and guidance on producing a briefing paper for an organisation working in this field

The module makes extensive use of blended learning, primarily through full use of the dedicated Weblearn site for the module, including interactive use of the mail and discussion tools, module information, lecture PowerPoint slides, and scanned copies of key texts that are not available electronically

Reflective learning will be encouraged through the practical activities and the regular interactive lectures, seminar discussions and activities. Students will be required to attend all classes, to engage in the set activities, to prepare in advance by undertaking assigned readings, to complete coursework by deadlines, and to reflect and act on the feedback they receive.

On successful completion of this module, you will have gained:

1. An appreciation of the nature, roles and motivations of key actors in the fields of peace and conflict
2. An awareness of some of dilemmas faced by organisations which work in and on conflict
3. An understanding of the key practical skills involved in peace work

Assessment is based on the following elements:

FORMATIVE
1. A classroom debate based on the topic of the lecture, with feedback given to students at the end of the class. This will take place in week 4.

SUMMATIVE
2. A briefing paper, worth 100% of the final grade. It will be 2500 words in length. This must be submitted by week 26.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/6AA88DC1-CC2E-AD74-3FFC-7FD26160E49F.html

Useful Websites

• Stockholm International Peace Research (www.sipri.org)
• Peace Research Institute Oslo (www.prio.org)
• Uppsala University, Department of Peace and Conflict Research (www.per.uu.se)
• Beyond Intractability (www.beyondintractability.org)
• Virtual Library: Peace, Conflict Resolution and International Security (www2.etown.edu/vl/peace.html)
• International Alert (www.international-alert.org)