University of Essex

GV906-7-AU-CO:
Conflict Resolution

The details

Year: 2023/24

Department: Government

Campus: Colchester Campus

Term: Autumn

Level: Postgraduate: Level 7

Status: Current

Start date: Thursday 05 October 2023

End date: Friday 15 December 2023

Credits: 15

Last updated: 24 May 2023

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

MA L25212 Conflict Resolution,
MA L252EB Conflict Resolution,
MA L252EK Conflict Resolution,
MSC L25212 Conflict Resolution,
MSC L252EB Conflict Resolution,
MSC L252EK Conflict Resolution

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

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

Objectives

The objectives of this module are:

To introduce students to key concept and models in conflict research;

To introduce students to different theories about the causes of interstate and civil conflict;

To introduce students to bargaining models and negotiation theory;

To introduce students to different theories about conflict resolution, such as mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding;

To introduce students to critical and gender-based perspectives on conflict resolution.

Module learning outcomes

Learning Outcomes

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

Understand key concepts in conflict studies.

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

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

Evaluate the different methods of conflict resolution using case studies.

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

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

Key Skills

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

Library and Internet research

Data collection, presentation, and analysis

Exposition and argumentation in a structured fashion

Working independently and as part of a group

Presenting verbal arguments to classroom peers

Production of short well-researched essays and reports

Working to deadlines

Conducting oneself in a scholarly and professional manner

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

This is a 10-week module with teaching taking place in nine weeks for 2 hours using either the format of lecture/seminar or a workshop for all students. One week will be an on-line simulation exercise which will take 3 hours.

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	Quiz 1	5%
Coursework	Quiz 2	5%
Coursework	Quiz 3	5%
Coursework	Quiz 4	5%
Coursework	Assignment 1	30%
Coursework	Essay 1	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

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:

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: No

Available to Outside Option: No

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 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

Further information

Department website: Government

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Module Directory

GV906-7-AU-CO:Conflict Resolution