Understanding Conflict and War
- Social Sciences
- 200 level
- 3 credit units
- 210 pages
- 18 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 46 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study, problem solving
- Practical work
- Yes
- Self Assessment Exercises
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PCR271, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PCR271 · Unit 1: Understanding Conflict
Conflict is not necessarily negative in itself. It is often a by – product of social change and may lead to constructive transformation. Many scholars have come up with different definitions, concepts, views or school of thoughts of conflicts from a more intellectual platform all over the world.
What you should be able to do
- Apply conflict theories to real-world situations
- Analyze the causes and consequences of war
- Understand the principles of international law
- Evaluate methods of dispute resolution
- Develop peacebuilding strategies
- Demonstrate mediation and negotiation skills
What it prepares you for
- Peace Officer
- Conflict Mediator
- Diplomat
- Human Rights Advocate
- International Relations Specialist
- Government
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- International Organizations
- Law
- Academia
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: International Law: War and Conflict
Unit 3: International Humanitarian Law And War Crimes
The complex interplay between international humanitarian law and human rights law requires careful differentiation and nuanced understanding.
- Module 3: International Law: War and Conflict
Unit 4: The International Criminal Court and World Peace
Understanding the jurisdiction and limitations of the ICC requires grasping complex legal frameworks and political considerations.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Understanding Violent and Non-violent Conflict
Unit 1: Understanding Conflict · 3 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 2Module 1: Understanding Violent and Non-violent Conflict
Unit 2: Types and Causes of Conflict · 3 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 3Module 1: Understanding Violent and Non-violent Conflict
Unit 3: General Perspectives on Conflict Theories · 3 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 4Module 1: Understanding Violent and Non-violent Conflict
Unit 4: Dynamics of Conflict · 3 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 hours
Apply conflict analysis techniques to real-world scenarios.. Identify primary stakeholders and their roles in conflict situations..
- Week 5Module 2: War: Concept, Theories, and Practice in Inter-State Relations
Unit 1: Discourse On War · 3 hours
Define war and its various interpretations.. Discuss the causes of war in inter-state relations, including ideological, religious, and ethnic factors..
- Week 6Module 2: War: Concept, Theories, and Practice in Inter-State Relations
Unit 2: Wars In Traditional African Society · 3 hours
Trace the history of war in traditional African society.. Analyze the causes of war and conflict in pre-colonial Africa..
- Week 7Module 2: War: Concept, Theories, and Practice in Inter-State Relations
Unit 3: Intra And Inter Armed Conflict · 3 hours
Define intra-state and inter-state armed conflicts.. Analyze various intra and inter armed conflicts in Africa..
- Week 8Module 2: War: Concept, Theories, and Practice in Inter-State Relations
Unit 4: Theories And Practice of War in International Relations · 3 hours
Discuss the theory of Just War.. Explain the practice of war in International Relations using the criteria of Just War Theory..
- Week 9Module 3: International Law: War and Conflict
Unit 1: Religion, Peace And Conflicts In Nigeria · 3 hours
Define International Law.. Explain the Origin of Law of Nation..
- Week 10Module 3: International Law: War and Conflict
Unit 2: Difference Between International Law and Law of Nation · 3 hours
Describe the controversies surrounding the status of International Law.. Distinguish between International Law and Law of Nations..
- Week 11Module 3: International Law: War and Conflict
Unit 3: International Humanitarian Law And War Crimes · 3 hours
Define International Humanitarian Laws.. Analyze various international conventions..
- Week 12Module 3: International Law: War and Conflict
Unit 4: The International Criminal Court and World Peace · 3 hours
Explain the functions of International Criminal Court.. Analyze various UN Articles on Genocide.. Explain with examples cases from International Criminal Tribunal.
- Week 13MODULE 4: INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES AND MANAGEMENT OF VIOLENT CONFLICT
Unit 1: Peaceful Settlement Of Disputes In International Law · 3 hours
Define Intervention with examples.. Give various justification for intervention.. Analyze various cases of intervention in international relations..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key events in international conflicts (Units 1-3)
- Compare and contrast different conflict theories (Module 1)
- Study the Geneva Conventions and their application (Module 3)
- Practice analyzing case studies of international disputes (Module 4)
- Review key terms and definitions from each unit
Questions students ask about this course
What is PCR271 about?
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.
How many units does PCR271 have?
PCR271, Understanding Conflict and War, has 18 units across 4 modules, over 210 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PCR271?
PCR271 carries 3 credit units, at 200 level in Social Sciences.
Is PCR271 hard?
PCR271 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, case study and problem solving work, and it has a practical component.
How long does PCR271 take to study?
About 46 hours of study, spread across its 18 units.
How is PCR271 assessed?
PCR271 is assessed by Self Assessment Exercises, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with PCR271?
Peace Officer, Conflict Mediator, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate and International Relations Specialist.