Conflict and Peace Building (Theory)

Paper Code: 
24SPOL 401
Credits: 
06
Contact Hours: 
90.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course is designed to help build an understanding of a variety of conflict situations among students in a way that they can relate to them through their lived experiences. It’s an interdisciplinary course that draws its insights from various branches of social sciences and seeks to provide a lively learning environment for teaching and training students how to bring about political and social transformations at the local, national and international levels. 

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

24SPOL 411   

Conflict and Peace Building

(Theory)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

CO6:  bring about political and social transformations at the local, national and international levels.

CO7: identify the causes and consequences of conflict, evaluating different points of view and framing their own.

CO8: research questions in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts

CO9: Assess the applicability of Gandhian methods in contemporary conflicts and peace

building efforts

CO10: Evaluate the ethical considerations and challenges associated with mediation in conflict

Resolution

CO: contribute effectively in Course specific interaction.

Approach in teaching:

Orientation of methods of conflict resolution, Case studies based on management and resolution of various conflicts in different regions, Lectures, Classroom discussions based on real life situations and case studies 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects
 

 

18.00
Unit I: 
Concepts
  • Understanding Conflict
  • Conflict Management, Conflict Resolution and Conflict Transformation
  • Peace Building 

 

18.00
Unit II: 
Dimensions of Conflict
  • Ideology
  • Economic/Resource Sharing Conflicts
  • Socio‐Cultural Conflicts (Ethnic, Religious, Gender‐based)

 

18.00
Unit III: 
Sites of Conflict
  • Local
  • Sub‐National
  • International

 

18.00
Unit IV: 
Conflict Responses: Skills and Techniques
  • Negotiations: Trust Building
  • Mediation: Skill Building; Active Listening

 

18.00
Unit V: 
Conflict Responses: Diplomacy and Gandhian Methods
  • Track I, Track II & Multi Track Diplomacy
  • Gandhian Methods

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Beswick, D. and Jackson, P. (2018). Conflict, Security and Development: An Introduction. London: Routledge
  • Kadloor S.(2014),  Conflict Resolution and Peace Building, New Delhi: Akar Books.
  • Goldstein,J .S(2012) Winning the War on War: The Decline of Armed Conflict Worldwide. New York: Plume
  • Ciment,J.,Hill, K.(2012).Encyclopedia of Conflicts Since World War II(vol I&II)Routledge Abingdon UK
  • Swiss Agency for Development (SDC). 2005. Conflict Analysis Tool

 

References: 
  • BarashD.andWebel, C.(2017) Peace and Conflict Studies, London: Sage Publication
  • Mason S.andSiegfried,M. (2012) Debriefing Mediators To Learn Their Experiences, Washington D.C: United States Institute Of Peace.
  • Wallenstein,P. (2011) Understanding Conflict Resolution (2nd ed.), London: Sage Publications
  • ZartmanI.and De Soto, A.(2010) Timing Mediation Initiatives, Washington D.C: United States Institute Of Peace.
  • Smith A.and Smock, D.(2010) Managing A Mediation Process, Washington D.C.: United States Institute Of Peace.
  • Burgess H.and  Burgess, G.(2010) Conducting Track II, Washington D.C: United States Institute Of Peace.
  • Brown, M. E., et.al, eds., (2000). Theories of War and Peace. Cambridge, Mass: The MIT Press.

 

Academic Year: 
2024-25
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