Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree. Only for students admitted to the Master's Programme in Politics and International Studies or Master's Programme in Development Studies. At least 15 credits in completed courses within the Master's programme.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the students are expected to have acquired knowledge in the following

areas:

- Different general theoretical perspectives within the nexus of peace, war and democratisation

- The relation between peace, war, democracy, and democratisation at different levels of analysis

as well as in the interaction between the levels of analysis

- The relation between conflict type and conditions for peace and democracy

- Conditions for how, when and why democratisation increases or decreases the risk of conflict

between social actors, such as groups, societies, and states

In addition, on completion of the course the students are also expected to be able to:

- Independently identify and argue for what can be considered the most central issues in the nexus

of peace, war, and democratisation

- Actively and independently grasp the development of knowledge - including research - within the

nexus of peace, war, and democratisation

- Independently identify and formulate research problems that are relevant for society within the

nexus of peace, war, and democratisation

- Independently gather and systematically treat a complex source material relevant for theory and

research problem

- Independently identify, limit, and carry out a minor research task relevant for existing theory

within the field and the chosen research problem

- Independently criticise and be able to contextualise others' texts in a broader theoretical framework

- Actively and independently in seminar discussions as well as in written assignments argue and

contribute to the discussion with constructive, knowledgeable comments

- Actively and independently present short presentations of their own, on the state of knowledge

within the sub-field and their own work

Content

The aim of this course is to deepen the understanding of the complex relationship between peace, war and democratisation worldwide. In theory, peace and democracy are mutually reinforcing processes of societal change. In reality, however, these processes sometimes clash and instead risk undermining each other. In this course we address this issue from a theoretical as well as a practical policy perspective. The notion of democracy as tool for conflict management is discussed, as well as democratisation as a potential cause of armed conflict. We also look at the challenges of democratisation in weak and war-torn societies where the political parties, the civil society and even the state itself are products of the armed conflict. In addition, we address the challenges of writing a new constitution, holding elections and carrying out peacekeeping missions after civil wars. The course places a strong emphasis on group discussions and teacher–student interaction. It also aims to bridge the divide between the academic literature and practical policy-making on these issues.

Instruction

Lectures and seminars. Language of Instruction is English.

Assessment

Examination and final grade are based upon the student's achievements regarding:

- an individually written course paper.

- cooperation in groups. Group assignment with oral presentation.

- active participation in lectures and seminars.

Grades awarded: Pass with Distinction (VG); Pass (G) and Fail (U).