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:

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

There no pre-requisites.

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)

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)

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

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

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

Lectures will focus on approaches, theories and analysis, and additional tasks will centre both on the subject matter as a whole and students’ work on their own case studies. Opportunities will be provided for students to work as partners, learning from each other, building on their skills and knowledge.

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

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 engage in the set activities, to prepare in advance by attempting assigned readings, to complete coursework by deadlines, and to reflect and act on the feedback they receive

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

1. A conceptual understanding that enables them 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 interdisciplinary 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. This will encourage students to use a variety of skills, including: extracting and presenting key information; assessing sources in terms of their relevance and quality, and their contribution to the subject area.

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. This will encourage the development of a variety of employability skills including: research involving information retrieval from a variety of resources; analysing and advocating solutions to problems; developing a reasoned argument; and exercising critical judgement. 

In addition to writing, students will be encouraged throughout to reflect on what they have learnt and to make use of constructive feedback.

-