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PL52174: Theories of conflict and conflict resolution

[Page last updated: 16 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: CWES 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • An applied essay on theoretical issues of the topics discussed in the unit. (CWES 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the unit, you will be able to: - Gain an understanding of conflict trends and the controversies related to their identification. - Develop knowledge and understanding of theories of causes of conflict onset, conflict escalation and conflict termination. - Critically appraise different truth regimes that constitute conflict structures as well as structures of peace. - You will develop the ability to assess conflict theories for their internal logic as well as for their pragmatic value as knowledge that helps resolve conflicts or as knowledge that constitutes more peaceful realities.


Synopsis: Learn about main conflict trends and the most common theories on the roots of conflict. You'll study the main theories of, and approaches to, conflict resolution and assess their value for understanding and resolving conflicts. Theoretical elements of the unit will be applied to real cases of conflict by inviting conflicting parties to the class and by organising joint classes with students in conflict areas.

Content: The unit first introduces theoretical and conceptual issues related to the identification and understanding of conflict trends. The unit also focuses on the identification of truth regimes, and how these influence conflict and peace structures. The unit does so by continuously engaging with historical and contemporary cases of violence and peace. The unit then moves to the exploration of the validity and applicability of conflict theories both in terms of their internal logic, but also as instruments for the cessation of conflicts and promotion of peace.

Course availability:

PL52174 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
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