Overview
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 (INTS509) is one of the core courses in the Masters of International Studies. It aims to provide a graduate-level introduction to theoretical frameworks and legal instruments such as Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to consider their utility in the field of peace and conflict studies, in particular their relevance to contemporary violent conflicts. Specifically, the course explores various theoretical explanations for the emergence of violent conflict and for the achievement of sustainable peace within the contemporary international system. It offers students the opportunity to develop a critical analysis of conflict resolution theory and practice, approaches to post-conflict peacebuilding, and indigenous approaches to peace, conflict, and peacebuilding. The cases reviewed in this paper will include the examples in Aotearoa, the Pacific Islands, and beyond.
About this paper
| Paper title | Global Peace and Conflict |
|---|---|
| Subject | International Studies |
| EFTS | 0.25 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $2,223.25 |
| 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