General provisions

The course syllabus was established by the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences on 24 January 2007. The course syllabus is decided by the Departmental Board of the Department of Peace and Conflict Research. The course syllabus was revised 15 August 2013 and is valid from that date.

The course is offered during the fall semester. It can be a part of the Bachelors’ programmes in politics (politices kandidatprogrammet), social sciences (samhällsvetarprogrammet), Peace and Development Studies (kandidatprogrammet i freds- och utvecklingsstudier). The course is also open for students following self-contained courses.

Entry requirements

Peace and Conflict Studies B, 30 credits, or equivalent education

Learning outcomes

After the course, students are expected to be able to:

* explain and discuss central questions and theories on causes, development and resolution of conflicts

* design and evaluate basic research designs by relating theory, methods and empirical data in a coherent way

* compare and critically evaluate different explanatory models for the onset and development of armed conflict

* explain general patterns of the onset, development, and resolution of armed conflicts

* independently seek, gather, and evaluate information and scientific texts on armed conflicts

* actively and independently take part in seminar discussions, do short presentations as well as act as discussant and defend an independently written thesis

* independently conduct minor scientific studies of both qualitative and quantitative nature

* distinguish between descriptive and explanatory research questions

* distinguish and identify the strengths and weaknesses of both qualitative and quantitative studies

* discuss the problems of causal inference

* independently interpret and evaluate results from basic qualitative and quantitative studies

* have basic knowledge and skills in statistical analysis with the aid of computers

* have basic knowledge and skills about statistical inference

* independently solve assignments within allotted time

Content

The aim of the education is to enhance the students’ skills and knowledge on theory and methods in peace and conflict research as well as further train the students’ ability to independently conduct scientific studies. This includes to furthering the ability to connect specific research questions to the overall research agenda in peace and conflict.

The course consists of three modules.

Module 1a. Methods (7.5 credits)

The module focuses on the study of scientific methodology. It consists of a range of techniques and approaches to methodology, including analysis of basic methodological concepts as well as the steps of research. During the module both quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches are introduced, but special emphasis is placed on quantitative techniques. An important part of the module is to further the students ability to identify and elaborate upon the relative strengths and weaknesses of both quantitative and qualitative analyses. How to establish causal links in peace and conflict research is an integral part of the module. The different steps in the research process – formulating the problem, research design, data gathering, interpretation, explanation and reporting (or presenting) – are also an important part of the module. A significant part of the module is done by skills training, including learning basic skills for statistical programs on the computer. The module is given in collaboration with the department of government.

Module 1b. Alternative methods (7.5 credits)

The module is only given to those that already have taken module “1a Methods”. It consists of furthering the students’ methodological skills and knowledge. It does so primarily through further training in methods and techniques used in peace and conflict research, and secondarily, by acquainting the students with a series of sub-fields in peace and conflict research with special emphasis on the research methodology of the sub-field.

Module 2. Analysing arguments in conflict studies (7.5 credits)

The module provides a smorgasbord of theoretical approaches within peace and conflict research. Special emphasis is placed upon connecting theory and methods within a few central sub-fields. This includes training in how different methodological and analytical approaches can be used for the same research puzzle. In doing so, the module also focuses on the role and function of validity of theoretical claims in research debates within peace and conflict studies. As such, the students are also taught different criteria with which to evaluate validity of arguments, hypotheses, and theories as well as techniques of how to structure, summarise and present positions and arguments of a research debate.

Module 3. Bachelor’s thesis (15 credits)

The module consists of the conduct and defence of a minor scientific study. The Bachelor’s thesis should be written independently and the module also includes developing skills in critically appraising another Bachelor’s thesis (in other words, act as discussant) as well as defending one’s own thesis. Teaching is mainly done in small supervision groups.

Instruction

Teaching is done through lectures and seminars. Module 1: Methods is done in collaboration with the department of government and the main language of instruction in that module is Swedish. In all other modules, lectures are done in English, but students can choose if they want to follow English- or Swedish-speaking seminars.

Assessment

Examination is conducted primarily through written assignments. The final module – Bachelor’s thesis – is examined through a written independent thesis that is defended orally in a seminar as well as through being discussant on a fellow student’s thesis. Students can choose if they want to do tests in Swedish or English.

Grades are Fail, Pass, and Pass with distinction. Grading criteria are handed out at the start of course modules. To acquire the grade Pass with distinction on the entire course, one needs to acquire Pass with distinction on the module “Bachelor’s thesis”.