Module Directory

Additional coursework information

• Reflective Assignment 1 (Due on Week 11): 2 pages where you reflect on the simulation on week 10. You should reflect on how you used the available information to formulate a strategy and what type of constraints you were facing. Also, briefly assess the performance of your team. • Essay 1: (Due on Week 16) Essay #1 consists of a conflict analysis of a current (on-going post 1989) international conflict of your choosing, drawing on relevant negotiation literature and theory. It will include identifying primary and secondary parties, positions, interests, options, strategic environment etc. The next step is to develop a strategy briefing for one of the parties in the conflict you have analysed. In the briefing, you will be providing advice as to how that party should proceed with the negotiation, given the data in the conflict analysis. It should also include attention to preparation, power dynamics, culture and gender issues where relevant, and coalitions. • Reflective Assignment 2 (Due on Week 25): 2 pages where you reflect on the online negotiation exercise. You should reflect on the outcome of the simulation. Reflect on your participation in the simulation and discuss whether your approach to negotiation has changed since the beginning of the module. • Essay 2: (Due on Week 30) Essay #2 is a research paper that examines a particular example of conflict resolution, for example (international) negotiations, mediation or peacekeeping, with special attention to the processes at work. The task is to identify an appropriate instance of international or civil conflict, and – using the materials of the module – to analyse the reasons why it was or was not settled. The conflict should be post 1945. If a "successful" method of conflict resolution is chosen, the paper might reasonably focus on the reasons for this success and the critical turning points, as well as missed opportunities that might have led to an even more successful outcome. If the paper's focus is on a "failed" attempt to conflict resolution, then the analysis should consider the reasons for this failure, and possible missed opportunities. Also, comment on what kind of lessons can be learned from the failure or success of the conflict resolution process. It is acceptable to focus on the same conflict as studied in Essay #1. • Eight Quizzes: As part of new teaching innovation you are expected to watch a number of 30-45 minute videos before the scheduled lecture. You will also take an online quiz based on the video presentation. The selected weeks are indicated with an asterisk. The quizzes are part of the assessment of student participation. • On-line negotiation exercise: Our on-line simulation will focus on a contemporary civil conflict. Student teams will portray various actors within the chosen conflict and negotiate online with peers in the other universities to develop solutions to the real life conflict. The simulation will provide an overview of the policy interactions among actors engaged within a civil conflict and provide the students an opportunity to put their diplomatic negotiation skills into action. Depending on numbers of students enrolled, participants will negotiate individually or as a part of small teams. The simulation will occur in an online environment, generated by open source software provided by the United States Institute of Peace. The online discussion will occur continually via email for a two-week period, allowing students to fully immerse themselves into the simulation. Within this two-week period students will have opportunities to plan, develop, debate, and vote on specific proposal plans to address the issues in the scenario. In addition to the continual discussions students will also participate in two real-time online conferences. Thus, while most interactions will occur in a setting that gives time for thought and consideration, the real time conferences will add more of a high pressured environment for the students to overcome. The starting date for the simulation is scheduled on week 22, but the starting date might be subject to change. • Autumn & Spring negotiation simulations: Detailed scenarios and group briefing packs will be provided to students to prepare for the simulation. This pack will be based upon a real ongoing conflict, but adapted to enhance the learning experience. These packs will be provided to the students 2 weeks before the start of the simulation to allow them to familiarize themselves with the details, but more importantly to give adequate time for a strategy to be developed. Thus, one of the key aims of the project will be to help the students develop strategic, rather than tactical, thinking. • Presentation and Posters: Participation will be assessed via group presentations & posters during the seminars. More details will be provided in Moodle.