University of Essex

GV906-7-FY-CO:
Conflict Resolution

The details

Year: 2023/24

Department: Government

Campus: Colchester Campus

Term: Full Year

Level: Postgraduate: Level 7

Status: ReassessmentOnly

Start date: Thursday 05 October 2023

End date: Friday 28 June 2024

Credits: 30

Last updated: 11 February 2022

Requisites for this module

Pre-requisites: (none)

Co-requisites: (none)

Pre and / or co-requisites: (none)

Prohibited modules: (none)

Key module (requisite for): (none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

The module exposes students to different political theories and approaches within the field of conflict resolution. It provides an overview and a basic framework for studying the evolving field of conflict resolution. The focus is on conflict resolution in inter- and intra-state issues.

The students have the opportunity to explore conflict resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation, arbitration, collaborative problem solving, peacekeeping operations, and other applications. The module especially focuses on the practical as well as on the theoretical aspects of negotiation and mediation.

The students also have the opportunity to explore the applicability of various tools and techniques in problem-solving real cases of international conflict and to make use of negotiation and mediation techniques in role playing exercises and other types of simulations.

Module aims

The main aim of this module is to teach students to think and write critically about conflict analysis and resolution using theories and methods of political science.
Students will develop the ability to think and make reasoned arguments using positive theories and supported by the best available empirical evidence.

These aims are achieved through a variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, in-depth seminar sessions, simulations, reflective essays and independently produced assignments.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. Understand key concepts in conflict studies

2. Explore the systemic reasons that determine the choice of individuals and/or groups with respect to violence and non-violence.

3. Critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different conflict resolution approaches.

4. Evaluate the different methods of conflict resolution using case studies.

5. Experience the practice of negotiation and mediation through a series of practical exercises conducted throughout the module.

6. Relate the theory and the practice of the problems involved in the attempted resolution and/or management of international conflicts and intrastate conflicts

The module also enables students to acquire the following generic and transferable skills:

1. Library and Internet research

2. Data collection, presentation and analysis

3. Exposition and argumentation in a structured fashion

4. Working independently and as part of a group

5. Presenting verbal arguments to classroom peers

6. Production of short well-researched essays and reports

7. Working to deadlines

8. Conducting oneself in a scholarly and professional manner

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

This is a full year module (including individual Masters advising in last teaching week) with each week's teaching taking place for 2 hours using either the format of lecture/seminar or a workshop for all students.

Bibliography

Ramsbotham, O., Woodhouse, T. and Miall, H. (2016c) Contemporary conflict resolution: the prevention, management and transformation of deadly conflicts. Fourth edition. Cambridge: Polity Press. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/94404.
Bercovitch, J. and Jackson, R. (2009a) Conflict resolution in the twenty-first century: principles, methods, and approaches. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. Available at: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=309994.
Fisher, R., Ury, W. and Patton, B. (2012) Getting to yes: negotiating an agreement without giving in. 3rd ed. London: Random House Business. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/264763.
Howard, L.M. (2019) Power in peacekeeping. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Available at: https://www-cambridge-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/core/books/power-in-peacekeeping/0C99FAABFC3C92297836A478EFEAFDDA.
Severine Autesserre and Leymah Gbowee (no date) The Frontlines of Peace. Oxford University Press. Available at: https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.1093/oso/9780197530351.001.0001.
Kalyvas, S.N. (2001) ‘“New” and ”Old” Civil Wars: A Valid Distinction?’, World Politics, 54(1), pp. 99–118. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1353/wp.2001.0022.
‘Obermeier, A.M. and S. Rustad. (2007). Conflict Trends: A Global Overview, 1946–2022.’ (no date). Available at: https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/3cca3bf0-f40a-4175-b001-222c08388b43/Obermeier%20and%20Rustad%20-%20Conflict%20Trends%20A%20Global%20Overview%201946-2022%20PRIO%20Paper%202023.pdf?inline=true.
‘Walter. B.F. (2017). "The New New Civil Wars”. Annual Review of Political Science 20:469-486’ (no date). Available at: https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-polisci-060415-093921.
Pinker, S. (2011b) The better angels of our nature: the decline of violence in history and its causes. London: Allen Lane. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/299894.
Stein, J. (2013) ‘Psychological explanations of international conflict’, in Handbook of international relations. 2nd ed. London: SAGE, pp. 195–219. Available at: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/reader.action?docID=1046504&ppg=220.
Cohen, D.K. and Karim, S.M. (2022) ‘Does More Equality for Women Mean Less War? Rethinking Sex and Gender Inequality and Political Violence’, International Organization, 76(2), pp. 414–444. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020818321000333.
Fisher, S., Matovic, V. and Walker, B.A. (2020) Working with conflict 2: skills and strategies for action. Edited by D. Mathews. London: Zed Books. Available at: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=2697853.
Fearon, J.D., David D. Laitin (2000) ‘Review: Violence and the Social Construction of Ethnic Identity’, International Organization, 54(4), pp. 845–877. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2601384.
HABYARIMANA, J. et al. (2007) ‘Why Does Ethnic Diversity Undermine Public Goods Provision?’, American Political Science Review, 101(4), pp. 709–725. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055407070499.
Fearon, J.D. and Laitin, D.D. (2003) ‘Ethnicity, Insurgency, and Civil War’, The American Political Science Review, 97(1), pp. 75–90. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3118222.
Bara, C. (2014) ‘Incentives and opportunities’, Journal of Peace Research, 51(6), pp. 696–710. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022343314534458.
Collier, P. and Hoeffler, A. (2004) ‘Greed and Grievance in Civil War’, Oxford Economic Papers, 56(4), pp. 563–595. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3488799.
Maoz, Z. and Russett, B. (1993) ‘Normative and Structural Causes of Democratic Peace, 1946-1986’, The American Political Science Review, 87(3), pp. 624–638. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2938740.
Gartzke, E. (2007) ‘The Capitalist Peace’, American Journal of Political Science, 51(1), pp. 166–191. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/4122913.
Dorussen, H. and Ward, H. (2010) ‘Trade networks and the Kantian peace’, Journal of Peace Research, 47(1), pp. 29–42. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/25654526.
Mearsheimer, J.J. (1995) ‘The False Promise of International Institutions’, International Security, 19(3), pp. 5–49. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2539078.
Wendt, A. (1992) ‘Anarchy is what States Make of it: The Social Construction of Power Politics’, International Organization, 46(2), pp. 391–425. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2706858.

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam	Description	Coursework weighting
Coursework	Quizzes	20%
Coursework	Assignment 1	15%
Coursework	Essay 1	25%
Coursework	Assignment 2	15%
Coursework	Essay 2	25%

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

Coursework	Exam
100%	0%

Reassessment

Coursework	Exam
100%	0%

Module supervisor and teaching staff

Supervisor: Prof Han Dorussen, email: hdorus@essex.ac.uk.

Teaching staff: Professor Han Dorussen

Contact details: Module Supervisor Professor Han Dorussen hdorus@essex.ac.uk or Module Administrator: Jamie Seakens (govpgquery@essex.ac.uk)

Availability

Available to incoming Essex Abroad / Exchange students: Yes

Available to Outside Option: Yes

Available to Audit: Yes

External examiner

Name: Dr Damien Bol

Institution: King's College London

Academic role: Senior Lecturer

Resources

Teaching materials: Available via Moodle

Lecture recording: Of 44 hours, 42 (95.5%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

Further information

Department website: Government

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The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Module Directory

GV906-7-FY-CO:Conflict Resolution