GV508-7-SP-CO:
The Analysis of Conflict and Peace
2023/24
Government
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
ReassessmentOnly
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
22 May 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module focuses on contemporary conflict and peace research and the concept and tools necessary to be able to follow current research in this area.
Whereas many courses focus on `knowing what`, or familiarizing students with particular facts or existing contributions to the literature, our emphasis here will very much be on `knowing how`, or the underlying logic of theoretical arguments about war and peace and how researchers evaluate these.
In particular, we will not focus on meta-theories such as realism or liberalism, which postulate a set of core assumptions and general propositions on how international relations are held to operate, but instead look at the implications entailed by different theories and arguments on war and peace, and think of ways to evaluate if these are consistent with empirical patterns.
We will examine the relationship between theory and evidence, measurement, and research design in research on war and peace. The specific theories and issues we will examine include conflict trends, the relationship of power, preferences, economic relations, domestic politics, and international organizations to conflict and peace.
Prerequisites
Students need to have a firm understanding of mainstream theories of conflict and research methods. They should have taken a research methods course and at least one advanced course (second year or higher) in international relations prior to taking this course as it assumes familiarity with common theories of conflict. In exceptional circumstances students can be admitted without having fulfilled this prerequisite if they can demonstrate the necessary knowledge prior to the course.
The module seeks to develop or enhance the following key skills:
1. Analyzing theories and cases trains students' analytical skills
2. Analyzing the case material trains students in developing research design.
3. Analyzing the case material trains students' numeracy skills
4. Report writing trains students' writing skills
5. Analysis and evaluation in the light of theory requires critical thinking
By the end of the module the students should have achieved the following:
1. Have a good overview and understanding of current theories on the causes of war and peace
2. Understand current controversies on the causes of war and peace using the theories discussed in the course
3. Understand core issues regarding how one would evaluate the implications of distinct theories and assess the validity of theoretical and empirical claims
4. Practical knowledge of data sources relevant to conflict and basic analysis skills
No additional information available.
This module will be taught over 2 hours per week. Students are expected to participate actively in discussions and must complete two pieces of assigned coursework
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1 |
|
50% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 |
|
50% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Saurabh Pant, email: sp20266@essex.ac.uk.
Saurabh Pant
Module Supervisor: Saurabh Pant, sp20266@essex.ac.uk
Yes
Yes
No
Dr Damien Bol
King's College London
Senior Lecturer
Available via Moodle
Of 30 hours, 10 (33.3%) hours available to students:
20 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
Government
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