SVF-2058 Critical Approaches to Peace and Conflict Studies - 10 stp

The course introduces the students to the field of Peace and Conflict Studies from an interdisciplinary and critical perspective. The course will include the following modules:

Introduction: This module will include an introduction to the field of peace and conflict studies and focus on core concepts (e.g. peace, violence, war, conflict resolution and transformation) and debates in the field and the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

Peace education: This module will include approaches to peace and peace education; education, socialization and peace; peace education and conflict; humiliation and peace, non-violence as tool for conflict transformation; and pedagogy, rationality and holism.

Conflict Transformation tools: This module introduces students to the analytical tools to think critically about questions related to the possibility of peace. It may include conflict dynamics, mediation, reconciliation, DDR, transitional justice.

Peace from below, development and global transformation: This module will emphasise on the postcolonial transformation, development and humanitarianism. Topics may include local and contextual peace building (local-liberal hybrid peace), postcolonial transformation and development and humanitarian aid, and institution building.

Peace and conflict in the age of (social)media: This module focuses on othering/fake news as well as social media as a tool of conflict analysis and conflict transformation.

Gender and peace: This module analyses a gender-inclusive and holistic perspective to peace and conflict. Topics may include femininity and peace vs. masculinity and war, sexual violence in war, women in peacekeeping operations.

Knowledge

• Overview of basic theoretical conceptual frameworks within Peace Studies, including current critical approaches

Skills

• Ability to apply relevant theoretical concepts to topical debates
• Ability to identify core factors causing complex social/political situations