Vår 2020

SVF-3024 Conflict Resolution and Conflict Transformation - 20 stp

The course is administrated by

Fakultet for humaniora, samfunnsvitenskap og lærerutdanning

Type of course

The course is compulsory for Master's degree students in Peace and Conflict Transformation (MPCT).

This course can be taken as a singular course.

Course contents

The course seeks to provide theoretical and practical insights into diverse efforts of conflict management, conflict resolution and conflict transformation across all levels of analysis. Topics covered range from mediation, peacekeeping, international law, peace education, transitional justice, arms control and DDR (disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration), to gender, and alternative approaches to conflict transformation.

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: June 1st for the autumn semester and December 1st for the spring semester.

Exchange students: October 1st for the spring semester and April 15th for the autumn semester.

Admission requirements

Students, who are not registered for the Master`s Degree Programme in Peace and Conflict Transformation (MPCT), must have a Bachelor`s degree in Humanities or Social Sciences. An average grade equivalent to C or better in the Norwegian grading system is required.

Objective of the course

Students who have successfully completed the course should have an in-depth conceptual understanding of diverse strategies for managing, resolving and/or transforming violent conflicts at the system, state and individual level. More specifically, they should have:

The ability to review theories relating to managing, resolving and/or transforming violent conflicts across all levels of analysis.
An understanding of and being able to identify the contextual relevance and challenges of mediation, peacekeeping, transitional justice, arms control and DDR.
A grasp of the nature, goals and challenges of international law and peace education.
The ability to explore the gender dimensions and alternative approaches to the management, resolution and transformation of violent conflicts.

Language of instruction

All lectures, readings, assignments, seminars and the final exam will be in English.

Teaching methods

There will be a mix of lectures and seminar discussions.

The course will be evaluated at the SSL forum (Student Staff Liaison) in the spring semester.

Assessment

Candidates will write a home examination of max. 8000 words (approx. 20 pages) within two weeks on a set of given topics.

An oral exam will also be conducted to assess the candidates' knowledge of the submitted essays and course readings. The oral exam may adjust the grade for the submitted essays.

Grading is on the scale of A to F, where F=Fail. The course is open for re-sit examination in the following semester.