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GST202DE&GS2 Unitsintermediate

Fundamentals Of Peace Studies And Conflict Resolution

This course introduces the fundamentals of peace studies and conflict resolution. It explores the meaning of conflict, conflict resolution from a United Nations perspective, and various themes, theories, issues, challenges, tools, and techniques. Case studies from global and African contexts, particularly Nigeria, equip students with analytical skills for addressing conflict problems. The course emphasizes the interrelationship between conflict, peace, and conflict resolution, promoting peaceful co-existence and sustainable development through peace education and respect for human rights.

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40h

Study Time

13

Weeks

3h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Conflict ResolutionPeace StudiesConflict AnalysisGlobal IssuesPeace Education

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Conflict Definition and Types

2

Conflict Theories

3

Conflict Phases and Cycles

4

Conflict Analysis Techniques

5

Conflict Transformation

6

Dynamics of Conflict

7

Language Barriers in Conflict

8

Early Warning Systems

9

Arms Control and Demilitarization

10

Peace Education

11

International Organizations and Peace

12

Peaceful Conflict Resolution Methods

13

Coercive Conflict Resolution Methods

14

Gender Issues in Conflict

Total Topics14 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Peace Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Mediator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conflict Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Humanitarian Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-Governmental OrganizationsInternational RelationsLaw EnforcementSocial Work

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Basic Understanding of Conflict

2h

Unit 1: Definition Causes and Types of Conflict

2 study hours

•Define conflict, its causes, and types.
•Identify examples of each type of conflict in real-world scenarios.
•Analyze the impact of different conflict types on society.

Week

2

Module 1: Basic Understanding of Conflict

2h

Unit 2: Conflict Theories

2 study hours

•Compare and contrast Marx's and Weber's theories of conflict.
•Analyze the relevance of Dahrendorf's conflict-theory model.
•Discuss the pluralist perspective and its implications for conflict resolution.

Week

3

Module 1: Basic Understanding of Conflict

2h

Unit 3: Phases in Conflict

2 study hours

•Examine the stages of conflict: formation, escalation, crisis, de-escalation, improvement, and transformation.
•Analyze the conflict cycle: latent, manifest, violent, escalation, contained, mitigated, and resolution phases.
•Discuss the role of opportunity and willingness in conflict escalation.

Week

4

Module 1: Basic Understanding of Conflict

2h

Unit 4: Conflict Analysis

2 study hours

•Define conflict analysis and its importance in intervention.
•Categorize stakeholders: primary, secondary, and interested.
•Apply the five elements to structure stakeholder analysis: relationship, agenda/power, needs, action, and cumulative power.

Week

5

Module 1: Basic Understanding of Conflict

2h

Unit 5: Conflict Transformation

2 study hours

•Define conflict transformation and its key features.
•Discuss the types of transformation: issue, rule, structural, actor, personal, and group.
•Analyze the role of conflict transformation in achieving positive peace.

Week

6

Module 2: Dynamics of Conflict

2h

Unit 1: Relationship between Perception and Conflict

2 study hours

•Explain the relationship between perception and conflict.
•Discuss the perception characteristics framework.
•Identify barriers to social perception: selective perception, stereotyping, first impression error, implicit personality theories, and self-fulfilling prophecies.

Week

7

Module 2: Dynamics of Conflict

2h

Unit 2: Language Barriers in Conflict and Resolution

2 study hours

•Identify language-based barriers to communication: misunderstanding, shaping attitudes, polarization, and sexism.
•Apply strategies for effective language use: accuracy, vividness, immediacy, appropriateness, and metaphorical language.
•Analyze the impact of language on conflict escalation and resolution.

Week

8

Module 2: Dynamics of Conflict

2h

Unit 3: Early Warning and Early Response Mechanism

2 study hours

•Define early warning and early response mechanisms.
•Identify the types of early warning: conflict, disaster, and hazards assessment.
•Explain early warning indicators: economic, environmental, social, political, security, individual safety, rural, educational, and demographic.

Week

9

Module 2: Dynamics of Conflict

2h

Unit 4: Arms Control and Demilitarisation

2 study hours

•Define small arms and light weapons and their characteristics.
•Discuss the causes and effects of arms proliferation.
•Explain arms control and its aims.
•Describe demilitarization and its types: disarmament, demobilization, reinsertion, and reintegration.

Week

10

Module 2: Dynamics of Conflict

2h

Unit 5: Peace and Education

2 study hours

•Discuss the connection between education and peace.
•Define peace education and its key issues.
•Articulate the role of peace educators in fostering a culture of peace.

Week

11

Module 3: Trends in Global Issues

2h

Unit 1: International, Continental and Regional Organisations in the Pursuance of World Peace

2 study hours

•Identify international, continental, and regional organizations involved in world peace.
•Discuss the roles of the UN General Assembly, Security Council, and Secretariat.
•Analyze the functions of the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), and Commonwealth of Nations.

Week

12

Module 3: Trends in Global Issues

4h

Unit 2: Peaceful Methods of Conflict Resolution I

2 study hours

•Discuss peaceful methods of conflict resolution: negotiation, enquiry, and good office.
•Compare and contrast positional and principled negotiation strategies.
•Analyze the role of third parties in facilitating peaceful settlements.

Unit 3: Peaceful Methods of Conflict Resolution II

2 study hours

•Discuss peaceful methods of conflict resolution: conciliation, mediation, arbitration, and judicial settlement.
•Explain the role of regional agencies in dispute resolution.
•Analyze the advantages and limitations of each method.

Week

13

Module 3: Trends in Global Issues

4h

Unit 4: Coercive Means of Conflict Resolution

2 study hours

•Differentiate between war and non-war armed action.
•Define reprisals, retortion, economic sanctions, and intervention.
•Analyze the justifications and limitations of coercive means in conflict resolution.

Unit 5: Gender Issues and Humanitarian Intervention

2 study hours

•Define gender-related concepts: sex, gender, gender mainstreaming, abuse, violence, coercion, and consent.
•Discuss the impact of armed conflict on women.
•Analyze the role of women in peace agreements, constitution making, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Units 1-5 to understand the foundations of conflict and its transformation.

2

Practice applying conflict analysis tools (Unit 4) to real-world case studies to improve analytical skills.

3

Review the various conflict theories (Unit 2) and their relevance to different conflict scenarios.

4

Focus on understanding the stages of conflict (Unit 3) and appropriate intervention strategies for each stage.

5

Memorize key definitions and concepts from each unit to answer direct questions effectively.

6

Prepare examples of successful and unsuccessful conflict resolution attempts to illustrate your points.

7

Review all assignments and tutor feedback to identify areas for improvement and reinforce learning.

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