| Course title | Conflict Resolution |
|---|---|
| Course code | KPE/MCR |
| Organizational form of instruction | Lecture + Seminary |
| Level of course | Master |
| Year of study | not specified |
| Semester | Winter and summer |
| Number of ECTS credits | 7 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Status of course | Compulsory, Compulsory-optional |
| Form of instruction | Face-to-face |
| Work placements | This is not an internship |
| Recommended optional programme components | None |
| Course availability | The course is available to visiting students |
| Lecturer(s) |
|---|
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| Course content |
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Believers and sceptics in conflict resolution Territory, ethnicity and religion as drivers of conflict Methods of conflict prevention, peacekeeping Peacemaking, negotiation and mediation Peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction Case studies (Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and others) Simulations: Northern Ireland and Israel/Palestine
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| Learning activities and teaching methods |
| Lecture, Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization) |
| Learning outcomes |
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The Conflict Resolution Master's course focuses on a deeper understanding of contemporary and recent ethnic conflicts and civil wars and various methods of their management and resolution. It first examines theoretical and practical perspectives on modern intra-state conflicts and their dynamics in a logical structure. At the same time, it introduces students to the development of Conflict Resolution as a specific multi-faceted field of research, especially since its unprecedented growth since the 1990s. The next part traces the roots, causes and facilitators of conflict, namely ethnic, religious and territorial issues that are the main drivers of violent conflicts in the contemporary world. Methods of conflict prevention (how can we prevent a conflict from escalating?) and peacekeeping operations are discussed next. Students will also examine peacemaking processes with particular emphasis on negotiation and mediation. They will then focus on peacebuilding and will be able to identify key obstacles and challenges in post-conflict reconstruction. The next part of the course deals with two specific case studies of conflicts in detail - Northern Ireland and Israel/Palestine. This includes two simulated negotiations that will give students deeper practical insight into the complicated process of conflict resolution and consensus-building.
Understanding of crucial terms and evolution of conflict resolution discipline. Understanding of conflict dynamics, timing and types of interventions. Understanding of complex issues at stake in contemporary civil wars and ethnic conflicts. Ability to analyse and compare ethnonationalist and ethnoreligious conflicts. Ability to search for consensual solutions. |
| Prerequisites |
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Understanding of essentials of International Relations and International Security. Knowledge of modern history. Ability to read and debate in professional English.
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| Assessment methods and criteria |
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Written exam, Essay, Student performance
For weeks 3 to 10, students are obliged to find, read and summarize one or more relevant articles/chapters about the seminar topic (15-20 pages). Students are also expected to have general background information about the conflicts examined. For weeks 11-12, students are obliged to read background materials for simulations. Students are required to read the assigned book before the end of the course (semestral reading). The content of the book might be included in the final exam. Active seminar participation is part of the final grading. Seminars are obligatory, two absences are allowed per semester (with the exception of situations described in the notice above). Final paper: 2 200 - 2 500 words (not including bibliography), following all academic standards and the APA citation norm. The course ends with a final written exam covering the issues raised by lectures and seminars as well as required readings. |
| Recommended literature |
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| Study plans that include the course |
| Faculty | Study plan (Version) | Category of Branch/Specialization | Recommended semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): War and Peace Studies (2019) | Category: Social sciences | 2 | Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): Governance and Democracy (2023) | Category: Social sciences | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): Governance and Democracy (2019) | Category: Social sciences | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): Political Analysis and Strategy (2019) | Category: Social sciences | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): Euroculture (2023_N24) | Category: Philosophy, theology | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): Euroculture (2023_S24) | Category: Philosophy, theology | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): War and Peace Studies (2019) | Category: Social sciences | 2 | Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): Euroculture (2023) | Category: Philosophy, theology | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): European Union (2023) | Category: Economy | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): Governance and Democracy (2019) | Category: Social sciences | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): Euroculture (2019) | Category: Philosophy, theology | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): European Union (2023) | Category: Economy | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): European Union (2023) | Category: Economy | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): Political Analysis and Strategy (2023) | Category: Social sciences | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): War and Peace Studies (2023) | Category: Social sciences | 2 | Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): Political Analysis and Strategy (2019) | Category: Social sciences | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): European Union (2019) | Category: Economy | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): European Union (2023) | Category: Economy | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): European Union (2019) | Category: Economy | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |
| Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study plan (Version): European Union (2023) | Category: Economy | - | Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: - |