Prospectus

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Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies

Course
2019-2020

Tags

WP

Admissions requirements

None

Description

Introducing the Peace and Conflict Studies track of the World Politics major, this course lays a theoretical foundation for analysing violent conflict and its dynamics.

Students will be trained in identifying conflict contexts and actors, and in examining how and why conflicts emerge and escalate. The course will introduce causes of violent conflict and how they are interlinked. It will also shed light on contemporary conflict trends as well as international responses, including attempts to keep and build peace.

Course objectives

Skills:
By completing the course, students should be able to:

  • Apply concepts and theory about conflict dynamics, escalation processes and responses to conflict in order to explain developments in specific inter-group conflicts.

Knowledge:

  • By completing the course, students should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast different types of conflict and conflict actors;

  • Explain why conflicts occur and escalate, and how such causes may interrelate; and

  • Discuss dilemmas faced by actors who intervene in conflict zones in the name of peace.

Timetable

Once available, timetables will be published in the e-Prospectus.

Mode of instruction

The course consists of 14 two-hour interactive seminars. Readings will be discussed in plenary and smaller groups, and students are expected to participate actively by raising questions and articulating ideas you may have based on the readings and lectures.

To prepare for each class students are required to read the core texts, and encouraged to explore recommended ones as well. The readings will allow students to explore each topic addressed in more depth, and so serve as a platform for the written assignments.

Assessment

  • Participation: 15%

  • Response paper: 30%

  • Presentation: 15%

  • Final Essay: 40%

Blackboard

There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.

Reading list

The list of readings will be made available upon commencement of the course.

Registration

This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Muge Kinacioglu
Email: m.kinacioglu@luc.leidenuniv.nl

Dr. Ingrid Samset
Email: i.samset@luc.leidenuniv.nl