General provisions

The course is only offered during the fall semester as a freestanding web based course, 50% (half time). The course can be part of the Bachelor's Programme in Political Science, the Bachelor's Programme in Social Sciences, and the Bachelor's Programme in Peace and Development Studies or used as self-contained course.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course the student is expected to demonstrate:

• the ability to identify central concepts in peace and conflict research
• the ability to account for key theoretical assumptions about the causes, dynamics and resolution of armed conflict, and to apply these concepts to explain the causes, dynamics and resolution of armed conflict
• the ability to describe principal features of the nature and development of conflicts within and between states from 1945 and onwards
• the ability to independently write a conflict analysis, incorporating and applying the above mentioned concepts
• the ability to independently collect data on armed conflicts, and assess this data using established practices of source criticism
• the ability to present theoretical concepts and empirical findings in a research paper in the form of a conflict analysis
• the ability to give written academic feedback on another student's conflict analysis
• independently write an assignment within a given time frame

Content

The course consists of two parts:

Module 1. Introduction to Peace and Conflict Research (7.5 credits)

Module 1 gives an introduction to the central puzzles and research areas of peace and conflict research. Key concepts linked to explaining the causes, dynamics, and resolution of conflict are presented and discussed.

Module 2. Conflict Analysis (7.5 credits)

In module 2 students will select a conflict to analyse using a framework based on the theories and concepts discussed in module 1. The analysis is presented in a research paper in the form of a conflict analysis. The students read and provide academic feedback on each other's papers. The module also includes training in data collection and source criticism.

Instruction

Teaching principally consists of self-studies and correspondence with the head teacher and fellow students via the student portal. There are no common course sessions. Teaching language is English; however, assignments can also be submitted in Swedish.

Assessment

Students are examined through web based seminars and written assignments via the student portal. For each course module there are two examination opportunities given for each assignment.

Three grades are given in this course: VG (pass with distinction), G (pass), U (fail).

To obtain the grade VG (pass with distinction) for the course, a student is required to obtain VG (pass with distinction) on at least 50% of the course modules as well as G (pass) on the remaining course module. To obtain the grade G (pass) for the course a student is required to obtain G (pass) on both course modules.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.