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PCR271Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Understanding Conflict and War

This course provides an understanding of conflict and war, exploring conceptual causes, sources, and themes. It applies international and humanitarian law to mediate world peace and develops skills for mediation in human rights abuses, international disputes, and prevention of violent conflicts. The course covers violent and non-violent conflict, war theories, international law, and dispute management, equipping students with analytical, mediation, and negotiation skills for effective peacebuilding.

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46h
Study Time
13
Weeks
4h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
ConflictWarInternational LawDispute ResolutionPeacebuilding

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
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Conflict Theory

2

Warfare

3

International Law

4

Dispute Resolution

5

Peacebuilding

6

Humanitarian Intervention

Total Topics6 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)

Self-Assessment Exercises

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

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

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Human Rights Advocate

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-Governmental OrganizationsInternational OrganizationsLawAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Understanding Violent and Non-violent Conflict

3h

Unit 1: Understanding Conflict

3 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to conflict, its origins, and its relevance in international relations.
  • •Define conflict and differentiate between violent and non-violent conflicts.
Week
2

Module 1: Understanding Violent and Non-violent Conflict

3h

Unit 2: Types and Causes of Conflict

3 study hours
  • •Examine the different types of conflicts, including intra-personal, inter-personal, and international conflicts.
  • •Analyze the various causes of conflicts, such as resource scarcity, psychological needs, and conflicting values.
Week
3

Module 1: Understanding Violent and Non-violent Conflict

3h

Unit 3: General Perspectives on Conflict Theories

3 study hours
  • •Discuss Karl Marx's theory on resource distribution and conflict.
  • •Analyze Max Weber's theory on charismatic leaders and conflict mobilization.
  • •Explore Dahrendorf's conflict theory model and the pluralist perspective on conflict.
Week
4

Module 1: Understanding Violent and Non-violent Conflict

6h

Unit 4: Dynamics of Conflict

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the stages of conflict, including formation, escalation, crisis, de-escalation, improvement, and transformation.
  • •Analyze different conflict handling styles, such as dominating, accommodating, avoiding, collaborating, and compromising.

Unit 5: Conflict Analysis

3 study hours
  • •Apply conflict analysis techniques to real-world scenarios.
  • •Identify primary stakeholders and their roles in conflict situations.
Week
5

Module 2: War: Concept, Theories, and Practice in Inter-State Relations

3h

Unit 1: Discourse On War

3 study hours
  • •Define war and its various interpretations.
  • •Discuss the causes of war in inter-state relations, including ideological, religious, and ethnic factors.
Week
6

Module 2: War: Concept, Theories, and Practice in Inter-State Relations

3h

Unit 2: Wars In Traditional African Society

3 study hours
  • •Trace the history of war in traditional African society.
  • •Analyze the causes of war and conflict in pre-colonial Africa.
Week
7

Module 2: War: Concept, Theories, and Practice in Inter-State Relations

3h

Unit 3: Intra And Inter Armed Conflict

3 study hours
  • •Define intra-state and inter-state armed conflicts.
  • •Analyze various intra and inter armed conflicts in Africa.
Week
8

Module 2: War: Concept, Theories, and Practice in Inter-State Relations

3h

Unit 4: Theories And Practice of War in International Relations

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the theory of Just War.
  • •Explain the practice of war in International Relations using the criteria of Just War Theory.
Week
9

Module 3: International Law: War and Conflict

3h

Unit 1: Religion, Peace And Conflicts In Nigeria

3 study hours
  • •Define International Law.
  • •Explain the Origin of Law of Nation.
Week
10

Module 3: International Law: War and Conflict

3h

Unit 2: Difference Between International Law and Law of Nation

3 study hours
  • •Describe the controversies surrounding the status of International Law.
  • •Distinguish between International Law and Law of Nations.
Week
11

Module 3: International Law: War and Conflict

3h

Unit 3: International Humanitarian Law And War Crimes

3 study hours
  • •Define International Humanitarian Laws.
  • •Analyze various international conventions.
Week
12

Module 3: International Law: War and Conflict

3h

Unit 4: The International Criminal Court and World Peace

3 study hours
  • •Explain the functions of International Criminal Court.
  • •Analyze various UN Articles on Genocide.
  • •Explain with examples cases from International Criminal Tribunal
Week
13

MODULE 4: INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES AND MANAGEMENT OF VIOLENT CONFLICT

3h

Unit 1: Peaceful Settlement Of Disputes In International Law

3 study hours
  • •Define Intervention with examples.
  • •Give various justification for intervention.
  • •Analyze various cases of intervention in international relations.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key events in international conflicts (Units 1-3)

2

Compare and contrast different conflict theories (Module 1)

3

Study the Geneva Conventions and their application (Module 3)

4

Practice analyzing case studies of international disputes (Module 4)

5

Review key terms and definitions from each unit

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