IR3038 Conflict Management, Settlement, and Resolution

Academic year

2023 to 2024 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Fri 1pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M M B Shwaikh

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Understanding how and why conflict emerges, and how it may be addressed are crucial issues in the international system. The module not only addresses conventional themes in peace and conflict studies but also examines conflict from decolonial, feminist and critical theoretical lens. It examines basic conceptual models which help us understand conflicts, and of the various approaches which have been applied to manage or resolve them. Students will also acquire a grassroots or local understanding of the skills require to intervene, manage and resolve international and internal conflicts. Conflict between states and the emergence of conflict derived from political, social, structural, historical, and ethnic roots have driven the development of apparatus to address conflict, ranging from diplomatic exchanges, the use of military force, peacekeeping, negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution. This module is divided into two main areas, the first discusses various approaches used to analyze conflict, from the point of view of states, individuals and groups, regional and international organizations, investigating dominant issues of conflict, including state-interests, territory, sovereignty, development, resources, identity, culture, ethnicity, and representation. The second part of the module then examines the various approaches that have emerged for addressing conflict. Topical cases studies will provide an empirical focus. This module will equip students with an understanding of the various basic conceptual models which help us understand the diverse root causes of conflicts, and of the various approaches which have been applied to manage or resolve various types of conflict. It will also provide them with an understanding of the way that different actors (i.e. NGOs, mediators, institutional peacekeeping or peacebuilding actors) operate at different levels of analysis.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

1 x 2000 word Essay = 20%, a class participation and a PowerPoint presentation = 20%, 2 x blogs of 500 words = 10%, an unseen exam = 50%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester.

Scheduled learning hours

46

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

254

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • examine conflicts from decolonial, feminist & critical theory lens
  • critically explore approached to maanging conflcits
  • equip students with an understanding of the various basic conceptual modules which helps in understanding conflicts
  • provide students with an understanding of the way that different actors operate within conflict zones
  • acquire an understanding of the skills required to intervene, manage and resolve international internal conflicts