IR3070 Armed Conflict in Africa

Academic year

2023 to 2024 Semester 2

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

Wed 11am

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

Module coordinator

Dr H Tamm

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

Module Staff

Dr H Tamm

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

Module description

How can we categorise different types and dimensions of armed conflicts in Africa? What are their underlying and proximate causes? And what can be done to resolve them and achieve lasting peace? These are the overarching questions that guide the module. Following a broad historical overview, the module addresses the relative paucity of interstate and secessionist conflict while highlighting the abundance of external involvement. Then, the module turns to problems of governance, the motives of rebels, and the role that ethnicity and religion play in the outbreak and continuation of conflicts. The module concludes by investigating the promises and pitfalls of both peacemaking and peacekeeping. Each tutorial provides students with the opportunity to apply general insights from the week's lecture to a specific case, including some of Africa's most recent conflicts.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1-hour lecture (x 11 weeks), 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks) 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • understand different types and dimensions of armed conflict in postcolonial Africa
  • recognize both the underlying and proximate causes of armed conflicts
  • develop their personal view on how parsimonious or complex an explanation for a conflict should be
  • identify ways to resolve conflicts
  • apply general conceptual and theoretical insights to specific case studies