module specification

This module examines the theoretical, analytical, normative and practical aspects of international conflict resolution. It considers a range of approaches to the subject, elucidating its relationship with relevant disciplines and concepts. It explores both inter-state and intra-state conflicts and the relationships between them, with analysis of the roles of a range of actors, including states, international institutions, NGOs, and civil society movements.

It seeks to provide students both with a thorough understanding of the complex issues involved in attempts to transform conflicts and a high level of conceptual, analytical and theoretical understanding of the subject area.

This module aims to:

1. Examine a range of approaches to the cessation of contemporary conflicts and the conditions that may be necessary for peace
2. Focus upon both the domestic and international actors involved in these processes
3. Provide students with an understanding of relevant theories and empirical material for comparative analysis
4. Explore the differing ways in which particular conflicts tend to be viewed by participants, external commentators and public policy-makers

None

The syllabus will include:

1. Theoretical, analytical, normative and practical aspects of international conflict resolution; debates and controversies about both practice and theory; relationships with other academic disciplines and theories (LO 1, 2, 3)

2. Practical processes including diplomacy, negotiation and the conclusion of peace treaties; the promotion of human rights and social justice agendas; inter-state and intra-state conflicts and the relationships between them. (LO 1, 2, 3)

3. The roles of a range of actors, including states, international institutions and NGOs (LO 4)

4. Students also specialise within the syllabus through the research and development of their own case studies (LO 5)

Teaching comprises weekly classes involving both lectures and seminars. Lectures focus on approaches, theories and analysis, while seminar discussions centre both on the subject matter as a whole and students’ work on their own case studies

Reflective and independent learning is encouraged through the research and writing of an extensive case study report, but also through the interactive lectures and seminar discussions

The module makes extensive use of blended learning, primarily through its dedicated Weblearn site, including interactive use of the mail and discussion tools, module information, lecture PowerPoint slides and full reading lists

Although it is primarily concerned with the academic study of conflict resolution, this module provides students with a range of opportunities to enhance their employability, especially the research and writing of the case study component of assessment

Students will be required to attend all classes, to engage in the set activities, to prepare in advance by attempting assigned readings, to complete

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

1. A conceptual understanding that enables you to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the field of international conflict resolution
2. An ability to evaluate particular attempts to transform conflicts, to derive possible lessons from them for other conflict situations and to grapple with the problems of designing strategies for resolving conflicts
3. A critical understanding of the inter-disciplinary nature of international conflict resolution and its relationship with other fields of study and practice
4. A systematic understanding of the roles of the different domestic, international and transnational actors involved in the creation of armed conflicts and of the ways in which such actors have interacted to transform such conflicts into peace processes
5. An ability to apply insights from the field in their analysis of a particular case study and to demonstrate self-direction and originality in this work.

 Assessment is based on two elements:

1. A book review of a text relevant to conflict resolution, worth 20% of the final grade. It will be 1000 words in length. This must be submitted by week 9.

2. A case study of a chosen conflict, worth 80% of the final grade. It will be 4000 words in length. This must be submitted by week 13.

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/search.html?q=Gi7064

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)