Course Description
This course provides students with advanced knowledge of the interdisciplinary field of conflict analysis and resolution. In this class we will not only study the conceptual and theoretical dimensions of conflicts, their causes, dynamics, and resolution, but also apply these theoretical insights to contemporary conflicts. This includes fleshing out the underlying root causes, precipitating factors, the roles of different stakeholders, their interests and strategies, as well as studying the different methods of preventing conflicts and resolving conflicts where prevention has failed, including post-conflict peace-building. The objective of this seminar is to provide students with a sound understanding of conflict theories and intervention strategies, raise awareness for the complex dynamics underlying contemporary conflicts, and enable participants to apply the theoretical concepts to the analysis of particular conflicts, their causes, dynamics, and resolution efforts.
Methods of Instruction
This is a seminar-style class in which students are not only required to prepare a presentation based on the readings for a particular session of the seminar, but more generally are expected to actively participate in classroom debates.
Learning Material
Detailed list of assigned readings will be available on Blackboard.
Examination
Active participation (10%), presentation (30%), mid-term paper proposal (10%), final paper (50%). Regular attendance is required; students who miss more than two sessions will automatically fail the course.
Schedule
Friday, 5 September until 19 December, 15.00-17.00 hrs in SA37 (3 October no class, building closed from 16.00 hrs on 5 December)
Registration
Registration is possible from Tuesday 19 August 10.00 a.m. until Sunday 24 August. Please send an e-mail with your full name, student number and your preference for 2 seminars in the first semester to instituutsbureaupolwet@fsw.leidenuniv.nl. You will receive an auto-reply with a confirmation that we have received your e-mail. You will be informed about the seminars for which you have been registered before September 1.
Research Master students in principle follow the seminars which are ear marked for the Research Master. Research Master Students have to consult the study advisor Ms. Alma Caubo if they would like to choose this seminar.