Theoretical explanations for forms of organised violence and peace in the international system, and a critical introduction to post-conflict peace building and alternatives to the use of force and violence.
Global Peace and Conflict (INTS 509) is one of the core courses in the Master of International Studies. Its aim is to provide a graduate-level introduction to the main theoretical frameworks and approaches employed within the field of peace studies as they relate to contemporary international politics. Specifically, the course explores theoretical explanations for peace and forms of armed conflict within the contemporary international system, and provides a critical analysis of conflict resolution theory and practice today, post-conflict peace building and alternatives to the use of force and violence.
| Paper title | Global Peace and Conflict |
|---|---|
| Paper code | INTS509 |
| Subject | International Studies |
| EFTS | 0.25 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $2,162.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MIntSt
- Contact
- peaceandconflict@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
This course is taught by the Faculty from the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies. (NCPACS).
- Paper Structure
- Week 1: Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies
- Week 2: Key Concepts: Violence, Conflict, Peace
- Week 3: Understanding War and Violence
- Week 4: Environmental Conflict
- Week 5: Structural Violence, Development and Conflict
- Week 6: Terrorism and Counterterrorism
- Week 7: Negotiation, Mediation and Dialogue
- Week 8: Law, Transitional Justice and Reconciliation
- Week 9: International Organisation, Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Intervention
- Week 10: Post-liberal Peacebuilding
- Week 11: Feminist Peace
- Week 12: Decolonial Peace
- Week 13: Nonviolent Peace
The assessment for this paper is intended to gauge, as fairly as possible, the extent to which students have mastered the key concepts, content and skills stressed in the paper. The student's final grade will be based on completion of the following tasks: Student Presentations 20%, Review Essay 30%, Research Essay 50%
- Teaching Arrangements
- Each 3-hour seminar is a combination of lecture, discussion and reflection.
- Textbooks
There is no core textbook for this paper. A range of readings will be drawn upon in class. Students are expected to have read the 3-5 set readings for each week and are encouraged to also read from the recommended readings list.
Students are also encouraged to relate the week's readings to current events. Readings for essays and assignments will be expected to go beyond the reading lists provided here. Students should be prepared to explain and critically analyse the key arguments of readings in the class.- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Critical thinking.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will develop knowledge and skills on:
- The main theories and approaches in the field of peace and conflict research
- The key lines of contemporary debate on peace and conflict
- Some of the key challenges of contemporary conflict resolution and peacebuilding practice
- Making theoretically informed and empirically based arguments
- Argumentation, critical analysis, writing, collaboration and presentation
