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PCR711Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Peace Studies

This course introduces Peace Studies as an academic discipline, exploring its genesis, theoretical foundations, and ethics concerning war and peace. It analyzes contemporary conflicts, focusing on conflict mapping and theory. The course examines dimensions of peace, conflict, and violence, including ethnic and religious factors, marginalization, justice, equality, and environmental issues. It also reviews approaches to peace, such as UN missions, NGO activities, civil society roles, and international human rights laws, providing students with tools for positive change.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Peace StudiesConflict ResolutionViolence PreventionHuman RightsPeacebuilding

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

Ethnic Conflicts

4

National Integration

5

Civil-Military Relations

6

Peace Education

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)

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

Written Assessment

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

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profitInternational OrganizationsLaw EnforcementEducation

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

3h

Unit 1: Definitions

3 study hours
  • •Read definitions of conflict and peace.
  • •Reflect on personal associations with conflict.
  • •Complete the 'Survey about Conflict and Me'.
Week
2

Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

3h

Unit 2: Theories

3 study hours
  • •Describe the psycho-dynamic perspective on conflict.
  • •Explain Kurt Lewin's field theory.
  • •Discuss the limitations of experimental game research.
Week
3

Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

3h

Unit 3: Causes Of Conflict

3 study hours
  • •Explain how conflicts may occur due to resources.
  • •Describe how psychological needs can cause conflict.
  • •Discuss how mismanagement of information can generate conflict.
Week
4

Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

3h

Unit 4: Conflict Analysis

3 study hours
  • •Describe the concept of conflict analysis.
  • •Explain the Onion Analytical Tool.
  • •Discuss the relevance of Force Field Analysis.
Week
5

Module 1: Concepts and Theories in Peace and Conflict Studies

3h

Unit 5: Peace Processes 1

3 study hours
  • •Analyze Alternative Dispute Resolution as a mechanism for peace.
  • •Describe the stages of negotiation.
  • •Define mediation and its stages.
Week
6

Module 2: Fundamentals of Peace Studies

3h

Unit 1: Peace Processes II

3 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of arbitration.
  • •Differentiate between arbitration and adjudication.
  • •Describe transformative facilitation.
Week
7

Module 2: Fundamentals of Peace Studies

3h

Unit 2: Communication

3 study hours
  • •Describe the components of communication.
  • •Identify factors for smooth communication.
  • •Explain active listening techniques.
Week
8

Module 2: Fundamentals of Peace Studies

3h

Unit 3: Ethnicity

3 study hours
  • •Describe ethnicity as a study of a group of people.
  • •Distinguish between the Africanist and Western schools of thought.
  • •Describe the Africanist approach to resolving ethnic conflicts.
Week
9

Module 2: Fundamentals of Peace Studies

3h

Unit 4: Factors for National Integration of Nigeria

3 study hours
  • •Explain the implications of the regionalization of Nigeria.
  • •Identify factors that can make nation building possible.
  • •Describe the role of the military in nation building.
Week
10

Module 2: Fundamentals of Peace Studies

3h

Unit 5: Civil -Military Relation And The Promotions of Peace In Democratic Nigeria

3 study hours
  • •Explain the history of military transition.
  • •Describe the relationship between CSOs and the military.
  • •Identify factors that will reform civil-military relations.
Week
11

Module 3: Issues in Conflict Management

3h

Unit 1: Religion, Peace And Conflicts In Nigeria

3 study hours
  • •Describe the different belief systems in Nigeria.
  • •Explain the history of religious crises in Nigeria.
  • •Identify resolution options.
Week
12

Module 3: Issues in Conflict Management

6h

Unit 2: Peace Education

3 study hours
  • •Explain the importance of Peace Education.
  • •Identify different teaching contexts.
  • •Describe the concept of Peace Education.

Unit 3: African Endogenous Peace Institutions

3 study hours
  • •Describe the traditional society.
  • •Explain conflict sources among indigenous Africans.
  • •Discuss traditional institutions for conflict prevention.
Week
13

Module 3: Issues in Conflict Management

6h

Unit 4: Small Arms, Children And Girls In Armed Conflicts

3 study hours
  • •Describe small arms and light weapons.
  • •Explain factors for its proliferation.
  • •Describe ECOWAS efforts in controlling small arms.
  • •Describe the process of recruitment and activities of child soldiers.

Unit 5: Post Conflict Reconstruction

3 study hours
  • •Describe post conflict environment.
  • •Describe the stages of peace processes.
  • •Identify peace-building tasks.

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 Module 1 theories to real-world conflicts

2

Practice applying the Onion Analysis tool to case studies from Units 4-5

3

Review key definitions from Unit 1 weekly

4

Focus on understanding the ECOWAS protocol from Module 3 Unit 4

5

Outline the steps in the mediation process from Module 1 Unit 5

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