Theories in Conflict Management
- Social Sciences
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 234 pages
- 26 units
This course introduces the basic concepts, perspectives, and theories of conflict management. It provides a comprehensive understanding of major perspectives and theories relating to conflict management at various stages. The course explores processes and dimensions of conflict management, including third-party intervention, mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and African traditional conflict management forms. It also examines issues such as ethnicity, culture, communication, and public policy making and their implications for conflict management. This course is valuable for leaders in public or private organizations.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 338 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PCR811, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PCR811 · UNIT 1 THE NOTION OF CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Your course materials give you important dates for the early and timely completion and submission of your TMAs and attending tutorials. You should remember that you are required to submit all your assignments by the stipulated time and date. You should guard against lagging behind in your work.
What you should be able to do
- Identify basic concepts and theories of conflict management.
- Demonstrate competency in conflict management approaches.
- Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate uses of conflict management.
- Appraise the content and context of conflict management theories.
- Distinguish between alternative dispute resolution and traditional conflict management processes in Africa.
What it prepares you for
- Diplomat
- Mediator
- Negotiator
- Arbitrator
- Peacekeeping Officer
- Conflict Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Government
- International Relations
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Law
- Security
- Community Development
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 5: Sources, Causes and Types of Conflict in Africa
Unit 2: Taxonomy of Causes of conflicts in Africa
Understanding the taxonomy of conflicts requires analyzing complex historical and socio-political factors specific to the African continent.
- Module 6: Global Framework of Conflict Management
Unit 4: UN intervention Strategies
The UN intervention strategies require understanding of international law and the political dynamics within the UN Security Council.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Conflict Management: Meaning and Definition
Unit 1: The Notion of Conflict Management · 2 hours
Read the introduction to conflict management.. Define conflict prevention, settlement, management, and resolution.. Discuss conflict management in a globalized world..
- Week 2Module 1: Conflict Management: Meaning and Definition
Unit 2: Approaches to Conflict Management · 2 hours
List and explain the judicial approach to conflict management.. Describe the power-politics approach.. Discuss the conciliatory approach..
- Week 3Module 1: Conflict Management: Meaning and Definition
Unit 3: Conflict Management Styles · 2 hours
Identify and describe the avoidance conflict management style.. Explain the confrontation style.. Discuss the problem-solving style..
- Week 4Module 1: Conflict Management: Meaning and Definition
Unit 4: Communication and Conflict Management · 2 hours
Explain the meaning of communication in conflict management.. Discuss the importance of cooperative communication.. Analyze the relationship between communication and problem-solving..
- Week 5Module 2: Elements of Conflict Management Process
Unit 1: Third Party Intervention · 2 hours
Define third-party intervention.. Discuss the role of third parties in conflict management.. Identify different forms of third-party intervention..
- Week 6Module 2: Elements of Conflict Management Process
Unit 2: Mediation · 2 hours
Define mediation and its key concepts.. Identify the processes and dilemmas of mediation.. Discuss the role of mediation in conflict situations..
- Week 7Module 2: Elements of Conflict Management Process
Unit 3: Negotiation · 2 hours
Explain negotiation as a vital element in conflict management.. Discuss the meaning, process, and challenges of negotiation.. Describe the skills required for effective negotiation..
- Week 8Module 2: Elements of Conflict Management Process
Unit 4: Arbitration · 2 hours
Define arbitration and its role in conflict management.. Explain the history, meaning, process, and challenges of arbitration.. Distinguish between the uses and limits of arbitration..
- Week 9Module 2: Elements of Conflict Management Process
Unit 5: African Traditional Conflict Management · 2 hours
Highlight conflict management approaches in Africa before colonialism.. Describe traditional conflict management approaches.. Explain the relevance of traditional approaches to contemporary conflict challenges..
- Week 10Module 3: Strategies of Peace Building
Unit 1: Conflict Transformation · 2 hours
Identify positive aspects of conflict management.. Explain the concepts of conflict transformation.. Apply conflict transformation in day-to-day interactions..
- Week 11Module 3: Strategies of Peace Building
Unit 2: Peace-Building and Early Warning System · 2 hours
Explain peace-building and early warning systems.. Describe the various strategies of peace-building.. Discuss the importance of early warning systems..
- Week 12Module 3: Strategies of Peace Building
Unit 3: Peacemaking and Peace Keeping · 2 hours
Explain peacemaking as a process of peace-building.. Explain peacekeeping as an element of the peace process.. Describe how to create an enabling environment for the peace process..
Unit 4: Disarmament and Arms Control · 2 hours
Explain disarmament and arms control as concepts in peace-building.. Trace the evolution of disarmament and arms control.. Discuss the stages of disarmament..
- Week 13Module 3: Strategies of Peace Building
Unit 5: Preventive and Multi-Track Diplomacy · 2 hours
Explain diplomacy as a concept.. Describe the role of diplomacy and its dimensions.. Describe the evolution of diplomacy as an approach to conflict management..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all module and unit learning outcomes to ensure comprehension.
- Create detailed summaries of key theories and concepts from each module.
- Practice applying conflict management theories to real-world case studies.
- Focus on understanding the roles and functions of international organizations like the UN.
- Prepare concise definitions of key terms: mediation, arbitration, diplomacy, etc.
- Create comparative tables outlining the strengths and weaknesses of different conflict management approaches.
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any feedback from your tutor.
- Allocate study time proportionally based on the weight of each module in the final examination.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PCR811 about?
This course introduces the basic concepts, perspectives, and theories of conflict management. It provides a comprehensive understanding of major perspectives and theories relating to conflict management at various stages. The course explores processes and dimensions of conflict management, including third-party intervention, mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and African traditional conflict management forms. It also examines issues such as ethnicity, culture, communication, and public policy making and their implications for conflict management. This course is valuable for leaders in public or private organizations.
How many units does PCR811 have?
PCR811, Theories in Conflict Management, has 26 units across 6 modules, over 234 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PCR811?
PCR811 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Social Sciences.
Is PCR811 hard?
PCR811 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PCR811 take to study?
About 338 hours of study, spread across its 26 units.
How is PCR811 assessed?
PCR811 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PCR811?
Diplomat, Mediator, Negotiator, Arbitrator, Peacekeeping Officer, Conflict Analyst and Policy Advisor.