Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Learning outcomes

After 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 on 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
• the ability to independently write a conflict analysis, incorporating and applying the above mentioned concepts
• the ability to independently collect data on armed conflict, and assess this data using established practices of source criticism
• the ability to present theoretical concepts and empirical findings in a research report in the form of a conflict analysis and present this analysis in a seminar
• the ability to account for the central assumptions of the main theories of International Relations (IR), and of the so-called broadened security agenda, and apply these assumptions to explain the security behaviour of actors
• actively participate in seminar discussions
• independently write an assignment within a given time frame
• communicate in English, in writing and/or orally.
• the ability to understand fundamental dynamics in societal and intrastate conflicts, and how societies and states have emerged from an interplay between cooperation and conflict

Content

The course consists of four 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 cause, dynamic, 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 and presented and defended at a seminar. The module also includes training in data collection and source criticism.

Module 3. International conflict and security (7.5 credits)

Course module 3 focuses on the concept of security and its various definitions, such as the broadened security agenda and military and non-military security threats. Emphasis is placed on different theoretical perspectives (mainly from the literature on International Relations) and how they can explain actors' security policies.

Module 4. Social and Intrastate Conflict (7.5 credits)

Module 4 builds on Module 1 providing an in-depth look at the fundamental dynamics of social conflict, from cooperation to civil war and revolution. Based on people's fundamental need for cooperation, we examine how societies and states emerged and organized over time in an interplay between cooperation and conflict.

Instruction

Lectures and seminars constitute the main forms of teaching of this course. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

The examination consists of in-class participation and written examination.

To obtain the grade VG (pass with distinction) for Peace and Conflict Studies A, a student is required to obtain VG (pass with distinction) on at least 15 credits, as well as G (pass) on the remaining 15 credits. To obtain the grade G (pass) for Peace and Conflict Studies A, a student is required to obtain G (pass) on all course modules (30 credits).

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.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating and plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.