IR3042 Representations of Violent Conflict: Research Seminar

Academic year

2025 to 2026 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

2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Mon or Tue

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

Module coordinator

Dr J R McMullin

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

Module Staff

Dr J McMullin

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

Module description

The module interrogates the nature of violence and the representational dilemmas this creates for the researcher and for conflict analysis more generally. It explores competing and cross-disciplinary theoretical and methodological approaches to study violent conflict, and then applies these to specific case studies. Problems associated with researching conflict and violence will also be covered, including ethical considerations, challenges of field research, and problems of cross-cultural communication. Students will produce an original case study focused on a conflict site or issue of their choice. The module provides instruction on research and writing skills, and trains students to construct theoretical and methodological research frameworks that will augment their preparation for the IR Honours Dissertation.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2-hour seminar (2 x 2-hour seminar in weeks 2, 4, 7, and 10), and occasional required 1-hour case study workshops (weeks 4, 6, 8, and 10).

Scheduled learning hours

30

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

Guided independent study hours

270

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