Introduction to Peace Studies

1. Analyze conflict situations using various theoretical frameworks.
2. Apply effective communication and mediation skills in conflict resolution.
3. Evaluate the role of ethnicity, religion, and gender in conflict dynamics.
4. Develop strategies for promoting human rights and social justice in peace-building.
5. Design and implement conflict prevention initiatives.
6. Assess the effectiveness of international peace institutions in Africa.
7. Understand the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction and develop appropriate interventions.

13 weeks, about 85 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Course Overview

   • Orientation and course guide · 3 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

   • Unit 1: Conceptualizing Peace And Conflict · 4 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..

3. Week 3Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

   • Unit 2: Perspectives On Conflict · 4 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..

4. Week 4Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

   • Unit 3: Theories of Conflict · 4 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..

5. Week 5Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

   • Unit 4: Causes and Analysis of Conflicts · 5 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 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..

6. Week 6Module 2: Fundamentals of Peace Studies

   • Unit 1: Communication and Peace-Building · 4 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 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..

7. Week 7Module 2: Fundamentals of Peace Studies

   • Unit 3: The Essentials of National Integration · 4 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 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..

8. Week 8Module 3: Issues in Conflict Management

   • Unit 1: Religion, Peace And Conflicts In Nigeria · 4 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 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..

9. Week 9Module 3: Issues in Conflict Management

   • Unit 3: African Endogenous Peace Institutions for Conflict Resolution · 4 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 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..

10. Week 10Module 3: Issues in Conflict Management

    • Unit 5: Post-Conflict Reconstruction · 5 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..

11. Week 11Module 4: Discourse in Peace and Conflict Management

    • Unit 1: Peace Building · 4 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 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..

12. Week 12Module 4: Discourse in Peace and Conflict Management

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

13. Week 13Final Revision

    • Final Revision · 6 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..