IR5732 Armed Governance

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 11

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

Tuesday 11am 1pm

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

Module coordinator

Dr N J Barnes

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

Module Staff

Dr Nicholas Barnes

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

Module description

This module will examine the origins, motivations, and dynamics of armed governance. Once considered purely the domain of states and state- like entities, the last several decades have seen the proliferation of violent organizations that govern local populations. This module develops new multi-disciplinary perspectives and frameworks for understanding these governance arrangements. This module interrogates a series of interrelated questions: to what extent do non-state armed groups rule over civilian affairs in areas under their control? How do they do it? Why? What explains variation within and across armed groups in their governance structures and practices? How do civilians respond to governance by armed groups? Why do some collaborate while others resist? Over the semester, students will develop a research project around the governance activities of one non-state armed group of their choosing.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE IR5704 AND TAKE IR5705

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 hour weekly seminar x 11 weeks

Scheduled learning hours

31

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

Guided independent study hours

260

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Describe the origins and motivations behind governance by non-state armed groups
  • Analyze the different governance behaviors of non-state armed groups within existing theoretical paradigms.
  • Articulate the primary ways that civilians respond to armed governance regimes and why.
  • Write and speak intelligently and persuasively about armed governance.
  • Develop in-depth knowledge about at least one context of armed governance.
  • Complete a masters-level research project.