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PCR111Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction to Peace Studies

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and theories in peace and conflict studies. It explores various perspectives on conflict, including traditional and contemporary approaches. Key topics include conflict analysis, causes, and resolution strategies. The course also examines the role of communication, ethnicity, and religion in conflict dynamics, emphasizing the importance of human rights and social justice in peacebuilding efforts. Students will develop analytical, communication, mediation, and negotiation skills applicable to diverse conflict situations.

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46h

Study Time

13

Weeks

4h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Peace StudiesConflict ResolutionHuman RightsMediationConflict Analysis

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 Theories

2

Peace Processes

3

Communication in Conflict Resolution

4

Ethnicity and Conflict

5

Human Rights

6

Social Justice

7

Conflict Prevention

8

Post-Conflict Reconstruction

Total Topics8 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 (2 methods)

Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs)

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

Conflict Mediator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Human Rights Advocate

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Government AgenciesNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)International OrganizationsCommunity DevelopmentLaw Enforcement

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Course Overview

3h

Orientation and course guide

3 study hours

•Read the course guide to understand the course objectives, structure, and assessment methods.
•Familiarize yourself with the course materials and online resources.
•Plan your study schedule for the semester.

Week

2

Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

4h

Unit 1: Conceptualizing Peace And Conflict

4 study hours

•Define conflict and peace.
•Discuss the inevitability of conflict in human affairs.
•Explain the concepts of positive and negative peace.
•Explore the perspectives of Ahimsa, Satyagraha, Pacifism, and Just War.

Week

3

Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

4h

Unit 2: Perspectives On Conflict

4 study hours

•Analyze traditional perspectives on conflict, including psycho-dynamic, field theory, and experimental gaming research.
•Compare traditional and contemporary perspectives on conflict.
•Examine contemporary perspectives such as cognitive and interaction perspectives.

Week

4

Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

4h

Unit 3: Theories of Conflict

4 study hours

•Discuss the general principles of conflict theories.
•Explain the Systems Theory and its application to conflict analysis.
•Describe the Relative Deprivation Theory and its impact on social conflict.
•Examine the Human Needs Theory and its relevance to understanding conflict.

Week

5

Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

10h

Unit 4: Causes and Analysis of Conflicts

5 study hours

•Describe the causes of conflict, including resources, psychological needs, values, and mismanagement of information.
•Justify the use of conflict analysis in conflict resolution.
•Apply conflict mapping and the ABC Triangle to analyze conflict situations.

Unit 5: Peace Processes

5 study hours

•Identify various alternative dispute resolution methods.
•Explain the stages and strategies in dispute resolution.
•Analyze the various peace processes in dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration.

Week

6

Module 2: Fundamentals of Peace Studies

8h

Unit 1: Communication and Peace-Building

4 study hours

•Define communication and its role in peace-building.
•Explain the factors that affect effective communication.
•Examine effective listening processes and techniques.
•Practice using helpful languages for conflict resolution.

Unit 2: Ethnicity and Peace Building

4 study hours

•Define ethnicity and its impact on peace-building.
•Explain the impact of ethnic conflict on peace-building.
•Discuss strategies for building peace in diverse societies.
•Analyze the role of ethnicity in conflict situations.

Week

7

Module 2: Fundamentals of Peace Studies

8h

Unit 3: The Essentials of National Integration

4 study hours

•Explain the concepts of nation-building and integration.
•Trace the political history of Nigeria and its impact on peace-building.
•Discuss the essentials of nation-building and the factors that contribute to it.

Unit 4: Civil-Military Relations and the Promotion of Peace in Democratic Society

4 study hours

•Describe civil-military relations in peace promotion in a democratic society.
•Trace the history of Nigeria's civil-military relations.
•Explain various efforts at civil-military reforms in promoting peace in Nigeria.

Week

8

Module 3: Issues in Conflict Management

8h

Unit 1: Religion, Peace And Conflicts In Nigeria

4 study hours

•Explain the belief systems in Nigeria and their impact on conflict.
•Narrate the history of religious conflict in Nigeria.
•Explain the causes of religious conflicts in Nigeria.
•Discuss various ways to resolve religious conflicts in Nigeria.

Unit 2: Contemporary Issues in Peace Education

4 study hours

•Define peace education and its importance.
•Explain the various ways and needs for teaching peace.
•Discuss the linkages between peace education and the culture of peace.

Week

9

Module 3: Issues in Conflict Management

8h

Unit 3: African Endogenous Peace Institutions for Conflict Resolution

4 study hours

•Analyze the different African endogenous peace institutions involved in conflict resolution.
•Discuss the sources of conflict among indigenous Africans.
•Explain different traditional approaches to conflict prevention, management, and resolution in Africa.

Unit 4: Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation, Children and Girls in Armed Conflicts

4 study hours

•Describe Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation (SALWs).
•Explain the challenges in the use of children and girls in armed conflicts.
•Explain the concept and impact of child soldiers in West Africa.

Week

10

Module 3: Issues in Conflict Management

5h

Unit 5: Post-Conflict Reconstruction

5 study hours

•Explain the concept of post-conflict environment.
•Explain the various stages and phases of the peace process.
•Describe the roles and responsibilities of donors in post-conflict reconstruction.

Week

11

Module 4: Discourse in Peace and Conflict Management

8h

Unit 1: Peace Building

4 study hours

•Explain the concept and principles of peace-building.
•Discuss the challenges of peace-building in the community.
•Critique peace-building processes and their effectiveness.

Unit 2: Gender and Peace Building

4 study hours

•Explain the roles of gender in peace-building.
•Explain the impact of armed conflict on women, children, and the vulnerable.
•Critique the roles of women in peace-building processes.

Week

12

Module 4: Discourse in Peace and Conflict Management

9h

Unit 3: Human Rights, Social Justice and Peace-Building

3 study hours

•Define human rights and social justice.
•Classify fundamental human rights, freedoms, and duties.
•Analyze the activities of organs and agencies involved in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Unit 4: International Peace Institutions in Africa and Peace Building

3 study hours

•Analyze the various international peace institutions in Africa.
•Explain their roles in peace-making.
•Evaluate the effectiveness of international interventions in African conflicts.

Unit 5: Conflict Prevention

3 study hours

•Explain the stages and methods of conflict prevention.
•Apply various conflict prevention tasks to real-life situations.
•Analyze early warning signals and develop conflict prevention interventions.

Week

13

Final Revision

6h

Final Revision

6 study hours

•Review all modules and units.
•Focus on key concepts and theories.
•Practice applying conflict resolution techniques to case studies.
•Prepare for the final examination.

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

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions.

2

Create concept maps linking key theories and concepts from Modules 1 and 2.

3

Focus on understanding the different perspectives on conflict and their implications for resolution.

4

Practice analyzing case studies of conflict situations using the tools and frameworks discussed in the course.

5

Pay close attention to the roles and responsibilities of various actors in peace-building, including governments, international organizations, and civil society.

6

Develop a strong understanding of human rights principles and their application in conflict situations.

7

Review the key stages and methods of conflict prevention and post-conflict reconstruction.

8

Practice answering multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions to prepare for the final examination.

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