BA MODULES

• For additional information, please visit the Peace Studies Department undergraduate programme pages
• Students in other departments at the University may enrol in these courses

Introduction to Conflict Resolution
     Lecturers: Nick Lewer,  Betts Fetherston
     1st year core course, 10-credit single module

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts and methods of non-violent conflict resolution, focusing on all levels of human interaction (interpersonal, group, community and international). Integrating theory and practice, students will become familiar with the core concepts and theories about the causes and resolution of conflict, be able to analyse conflict and formulation appropriate conflict resolution strategies, and will develop and practice basic conflict resolution skills. The class includes a combination of lectures, the keeping of a conflict diary, directed study and experiential exercises including role plays and simulations.

This course aims to familiarise students with the multi-disciplinary field of conflict resolution as it has developed since 1945, and to investigate how it applies to international conflict today.

At the end of the module students should be acquainted with the nature of international conflict resolution as a distinct theoretical and applied field of study, and have a good understanding about foundational ideas, concepts and processes related to the history and institutionalisation of the field; the nature of contemporary international conflict; the use of third partymodes of intervention (based on the role of the UN in conflict management; the uses of conflict prevention and mediation; the roles of peacekeepingforces; and the tasks related to post conflict peacebuilding. best practice in war prevention, mitigation, settlement, and post-war reconstruction. Students will work together in teams to put this knowledge into action in a one-day simulation of the United Nations Security Council.

Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution
     Lecturer: Tom Woodhouse
     2nd/ 3rd year option, 10-credit single module

The aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of the origins of United Nations peacekeeping, and the ways in which peacekeeping has developed since the deployment of the first full mission in 1956, to the operations of the present day. The course also aims to provide a good understanding of the relevance of perspectives from conflict analysis, conflict research and conflict resolution for recent and contemporary peacekeeping operations. The history of peacekeeping will be outlined in three phases from origins and first missions between 1945 and 1988 (so-called traditional or classical peacekeeping); to the expansion of peacekeeping roles and functions between 1989 and 1995 (referred to as wider peacekeeping or second generation peacekeeping); and finally to the contemporary phase dating from c. 1995 where peacekeeping performance during the 1990s was critically reviewed and new doctrine and concepts developed (referred to as complex peace operations or peace support operations).

Culture and Conflict Resolution
     Lecturer: CCR teaching team
     2nd/ 3rd year option, 10-credit single module

This course introduces students to the significance of culture in resolving conflict within and between cultural groups. The course examines the cultural assumptions of `Western´ conflict resolution theory and practice; how different cultural groups conceptualise and respond to conflict; how cultural variables affect conflict and conflict resolution processes; and how third parties can respond to differing cultural approaches to conflict. The course is divided into 3 parts: theory, taught through lectures and seminars; case studies of non-western approaches to resolving conflict; and practice, developing intercultural conflict resolution skills through experiential exercises, role plays and simulations.

This course aims to explore how international humanitarian agencies working with people affected by violent conflict can engage with processes of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Over the last decade there has been a growing acknowledgement that relief and development activities can have an impact on, and be influenced by, the conflict dynamics within which they operate. Linkages between poverty and conflict are stressed, and the place for development programmes to help strengthen and build regional and national capacities for dispute resolution, conflict management and peacebuilding are stressed by governments and donors.

Whilst our focus will be on peacebuilding from below, some time will also be spent on discussing how the various levels of intervention (Tracks 1, 2 & 3) can be made more complementary and contingent. During the course we will: examine some of the theoretical and conceptual bases on which such initiatives are based; discuss the nature and role of NGOs; take Sri Lanka as a case study of a country which has experienced a protracted and violent social conflict, and in which many peacebuilding initiatives have been attempted; begin to look at how the impact of peacebuilding initiatives can be measured; identify the ethics, principles and codes of conduct which peacebuilders should consider, and; discuss the effect and risks of such work for humanitarian agency personnel.

Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, role plays, simulations, project work

Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking Skills
   Lecturers: All CCR staff
     Part-time BA in Social Sciences

Part I: Foundations: Key Ideas, Concepts and Core Skills: The first part of the course will provide an introduction to and an overview of conflict resolution. Participants will gain a broad understanding of the terminologies used and the techniques necessary for effectively managing conflict situations. Topics covered in this part will include definitions of peace and conflict; alternative ways of resolving disputes; aspects of varying theories of conflict management, settlement and resolution; and an account of  core ideas and strategies for conflict resolution.  Practitioners of conflict resolution now work at all levels of conflict, including disputes and quarrels within families; arguments between neighbours; conflicts within public and private sector organisations; race and inter-ethnic conflicts; and conflicts which affect international peace and security and which involve the various agencies of the international community. Despite working at different levels of conflict, conflict resolvers nevertheless share a common approach and draw upon research and theory from a common field of applied academic study which has been defined over the past 50 years or so.

Also in part I of the course students will take part in a series of exercises based on experiential learning where theoretical aspects are taught and reinforced by practical exercises, discussions, mediation simulations and role play. In these exercises we will examine communication theories, techniques and skills in conflict situations, focusing on skills essential to effective mediation, negotiation and resolution. You will learn to identify your personal conflict management and communication approach,  and learn to develop and use the core skills of conflict resolution.

Part II: Cases and Applications: Conflict Resolution and International Armed Conflict (weeks 5-6) : Students will be introduced to a variety of examples where conflict resolution techniques and skills have effectively been used in situations of international armed conflict (in UN peacekeeping in former Yugoslavia; and by unofficial mediators and non-governmental organisations in various initiatives concerned with peacemaking by citizens (as opposed to governments and diplomats).

Part III: Cases and Applications: Skills and Policies for Peaceful Communities (weeks 7-12): Students will be introduced to a variety of situations where mediation and conflict resolution approaches are being used in the local community (in education, family and neighbourhood settings). These sessions will be tutored by leading practitioners in their fields.

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