Peace and Conflict Notes, Lecture notes of Political Theory

Download Peace and Conflict Notes and more Lecture notes Political Theory in PDF only on Docsity! UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY-AFRICA COURSE SYLLABUS SPRING SEMESTER, 2015 IRL 3015 A: INTRODUCTION TO PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES CREDIT: 3 UNITS LECTURER: JOHN MWANGI G. CLASS HOURS: FRIDAYS: 1:30-4:50pm VENUE: SC I CONSULTATION HOURS: FRIDAYS:5- 7PM LECTURER´S EMAIL ADDRESS: jgithigaro@usiu.ac.ke/mwangi.john@gmail.com 1. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is intended to provide students with an introduction to the field of Peace and Conflict studies. It offers an analysis of issues and theories about peace, violence and conflict. Peace and conflict is defined from a theoretical perspective. The course also presents the different typologies of peace and violence and analyses the changing dynamics and the new trends of Peace and Conflicts studies from varied perspectives. 2. COURSE OBJECTIVES The overall aim of this course is introduce students to Peace and Conflict studies as an academic discipline and to provide them with a set of conceptual tools through which to evaluate and understand contemporary events in the field of Peace and Conflict studies. It highlights the contemporary discourses in Peace Studies and Peace Research. Taking advantage of the intercultural and diverse experiences in the classroom, a multidisciplinary, transdisciplinary and multicultural approach to peace and conflict studies will also be introduced. 3. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Explain concepts and theories in International Relations. 2. Explain and use Research Methodology in International Relations. 3. Collect, Collate, analyse and respond to critically to information. 4. Critically analyze the dynamics of world politics. 5. Identify threats and opportunities to national strategic interests, and formulate policies in response. 6. Apply understanding of a global, multicultural and complex interconnected world to explain and predict issues in International Relations. 7. Demonstrate diplomatic etiquette in the International context. 4. LINK TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Explain concepts and theories in International Relations. 1 PAGE 8 2. Critically analyze the dynamics of world politics. 3. Identify threats and opportunities to national strategic interests and formulate policies in response. 4. Apply understanding of a global, multicultural and complex interconnected world to explain and predict issues in International Relations. 5. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of the course students should be able to: 1. Define and understand peace and conflict from a theoretical perspective. 2. Identify the major theoretical and methodological issues within this holistic and interdisciplinary study. 3. Distinguish between the different typologies of peace and violence. 4. Analyze the contemporary discourses in Peace Studies and Peace Research and the changing dynamics and the new trends of peace and conflict studies from different perspectives. 5. Appreciate Peace and Conflict studies as a multidisciplinary and intercultural academic field. 6. COURSE REQUIREMENT Students are expected to read and follow the schedule in the course syllabus, lecture notes, additional suggested texts, and be alert and attentive with note taking in class and have a demonstrated desire to participate in any discussions. An attendance roster is kept and students are expected to attend all sessions on time and as scheduled. As per the university rules, any student who misses more than four sessions will receive an F grade. Students will be divided into groups and are expected to work with their group members on an assigned topic by the instructor. Each presentation will be limited to 50 minutes followed by 15-20 minutes of class discussions. The presenting group will be expected to create leading questions for discussion, provide a soft copy and a final detailed paper consisting of a table of content, introduction, main body, conclusion and bibliography to the instructor before or on the day of presentation. The soft copy papers of the presentations are to be posted on Blackboard no later that seven (7) hours to the presentation to enable the course participants follow the discussions. Students will be graded on how effectively they have mastered and communicated the subject matter to the class. NB: PLEASE SWITCH OFF YOUR MOBILE PHONES DURING CLASS TIME AND PLEASE MAKE PROPER USE OF YOUR LAPTOPS DURING CLASS SESSION AND IF NOT NECESSARY PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR LAPTOPS TO CLASS AS THEY CAUSE DISTRACTION DURING DISCUSSIONS. STRICTY NO MAKE UP EXAMS AND GRADE CHANGE UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY THE DEAN OF THE SCHOOL. 2 PAGE 8 • Additional journal articles posted on Blackboard WEEK 4 :THE MEANING AND NATURE OF CONFLICT Discussion topic • Definition/Concepts of Conflict • Causes of conflict • Conflict Cycle Learning Outcomes • Define conflict and its various causes • Identify the different stages of conflict. Assignment • Lecture notes and assigned readings posted on Blackboard WEEK 5: SELECTED THEORIES OF CONFLICT Discussion topics: • Protracted social conflict • Frustration-aggression theory • Greed-grievance theories • Resource curse thesis Assignment: Journal Article Review 1 Due (instructions on how to review the article shall be posted on Blackboard and a discussion facilitated in class). All assignments shall needed to typed in Times New Roman font 12, 1.5 spacing. It is important that papers have an outline(table of contents, cover page, headings and sub-headings (introduction, body, conclusion) reference list as is normal with proper academic writing. Readings Journal articles and resources posted on Blackboard Week 6 & 8: CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACHES: SELECTED APPROACHES Discussion topic • Conflict Resolution( philosophy and approaches- mediation & arbitration, negotiation , reconciliation) • Conflict transformation • Preventive diplomacy & early warning systems • Traditional/indigenous peace-building approaches • The concepts of peace-keeping, peace-building and peace-making Learning Outcomes 5 PAGE 8 • Course participants appreciate the various conflict transformation approaches relevant for peace work. Assignment: Journal Article (2) Review Due • Lecture notes • Assigned readings on Blackboard including the following: • Tim Murithi (2008), ‘African Indigenous and Endogenous Approaches to Peace and Conflict Resolution in Francis, D.J (ed.), Peace and Conflict in Africa. London: Zed Books, pp.16-30. • Kenneth Omeje (2008), ‘Understanding Conflict Resolution in Africa’ Francis, D.J (ed.), Peace and Conflict in Africa. London: Zed Books, pp. 68-91. MID-SEMESTER EXAM Week 7 (WEEK 1-6). #WEEKS 9, 10.11, 12 shall be devoted to students seminar presentations based on the following assigned special interest areas in peace studies. Students shall be assigned into groups for the task. Powerpoint presentations as well as a paper write up complete with table are due on the day of the presentation and should be handed to the instructor prior to the class presentations. Each group should prepare for 50-60 mins max presentation to be followed by class discussions lasting 15-20 mins. At least two groups shall present on each lecture time. Group Presentation Topics Group 1 Non-violence philosophy (special emphasis on Mahatma Gandhi & Martin Luther King Jr. movements- paying attention to their history, the ideals and the philosophy of the movements, strengths, key achievements, weaknesses of the approach. Below is a suggested reading to be supplemented with additional readings. • Johansen, J. (2007), “Nonviolence: More than the absence of violence”, in Webel, C. and Galtung, J, (eds.), Handbook of Peace and Conflict Studies, Routledge, London/New York, pp: 143-159. Group 2 Peace education perspective (history, and concerns of the approach, what are its values, what are its challenges pick a case study if feasible). Group 3 Peace Journalism(Pick a particular case study, discuss the historicity, key focus of this approach, in other words, what does it entail, following Johann Galtung’s model).. Suggested readings to be supplemented with additional readings (books, journals). • Lynch, J. and McGoldrick, A., (2007), “Peace Journalism” in Webel, C. and Galtung, J, (eds.), Handbook of Peace and Conflict Studies, Routledge, London/ New York, pp: 248-264. 6 PAGE 8 Group 4 Truth and Reconciliation Commissions in Post- Conflict Societies (Case of South Africa post- Apartheid: what was it mandate, what were it key achievements, what challenges did it face, what peace lessons can be learnt from this experience. Group 5 Countering violent extremism (focusing on terrorism). This group shall pick a particular case study (for instance Kenya, Nigeria, USA) to explore the mechanisms that would be needed to address this problem. Before suggesting solutions to this menace, the group shall examine the causal factors and the discourses surrounding this ‘security’ challenge. Group 6 Power- Sharing arrangements as a form of ‘temporary peace-building’: A comparative case of Kenya and Zimbabwe following the 2007( Kenya) and 2008 (Zimbabwe, elections). This group shall explore the unique circumstances that led to the power – sharing outcomes, the process (largely mediation), the challenges, the achievements, the lessons learnt and an appraisal of their potential as ‘avenue’ to peace,. Suggested readings to include: • Horowitz, S. (2007), “Mediation”, in Webel, C. and Galtung, J, (eds.), Handbook of Peace and Conflict Studies, Routledge, London/New York, pp: 51-63. WEEK 14: FINAL EXAM 11. TEACHING METHODOLOGY -The course will be conducted using lectures, interactive class discussion, personal experiences and student presentations. -PowerPoint Presentations -CATS( short reaction papers, quizzes, sit-in exams) -Two Article reviews -Guest Speaker If feasible and documentary/video show will be arranged as appropriate. -Student punctuality and active participation is highly encouraged. Participatory learning is the ideal. A general note is that no late assignments will be picked by the lecturer after the due date unless there are special circumstances as spelt in the student’s handbook. It is also important that all course participants respect the diversity of viewpoints raised in a proper academic fashion. 12. COURSE EVALUATION Attendance and Participation - 5% Group presentation - 15% 2 Article Reviews - 30% Mid-Term Examination - 20% Final Examination -30% Total 100% ------ 7 PAGE 8