Perspectives and Theories in Conflict Resolution
Summary
This course will give you an opportunity to deal with the analysis and resolution of political and violent conflicts. The course gives you theoretical knowledge of strategies and approaches for managing, resolving, and transforming conflicts. You will learn about key dilemmas and debates prevalent in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, including the tensions between peace and justice, and between international interventions and local actors.
About
This course gives you exceptional theoretical and empirical competence of why we have various types of escalated armed conflicts in different parts of the world, as well as how we can transform and solve them. The course combines theoretical and conceptual perspectives with the study of concrete empirical cases. After the course, you will be able to conduct a conflict analysis of international conflicts, including identifying key actors, interests, and underlying and triggering conflict causes. You will also be able to identify and analyse conflict resolution attempts, including discussing the interests and strategies of different actors and the outcomes of the attempts. You will also gain in-depth knowledge of specific challenges in the field of conflict resolution and know how to identify and reflect on key dilemmas encountered in conflict resolution.
The course will have a combination of various educational forms, such as regular lectures and seminars. You will make oral presentations at seminars, and you will also submit written presentations that will be examined and graded.
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
A completed core course of 15 higher education credits in the second cycle within the field of global studies. Alternatively a completed undergraduate degree in social sciences, or the equivalent competence. Language requirements: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS, or alternatively a bachelor's degree from an education held in English.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 285 credits
After graduation
This course gives you in-depth knowledge of conflict and conflict resolution. You will have an advantage on the labor market as many workplaces request conflict resolution competence, both at Swedish and international workplaces, such as at authorities (for instance dealing with migration, or social issues), and organizations (for instance, UN, EU, OSCE, and civil society organizations such as Red Cross, Save the Children, and others).
