Peace And Security In A Global Context
- Social Sciences
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 158 pages
- 25 units
This course introduces the concept of peace and security in a global context. It explores terminologies, problems, and prospects related to peace and security, with a focus on the United Nation's role, particularly in Africa. The course examines theories of security, human security, conflict, disarmament, and crisis management. It also covers topics such as refugees, strategic thoughts, and the role of civil society in early warning and response mechanisms.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 75 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PCR813, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PCR813 · UNIT 2 THE CONCEPT OF HUMAN SECURITY
A broadening range of transnational threats also affects security for people. In an increasingly interdependent world, we routinely experience mutual, if unequal vulnerability. Opening markets, increased world trade, and a revolution in communications are highly beneficial, but they have also made borders more porous to a wide range of threats.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the key concepts and theories related to peace and security.
- Analyze the causes and consequences of conflict and displacement.
- Evaluate the role of international organizations in conflict resolution.
- Apply strategic thinking to address security challenges.
- Develop effective crisis management strategies.
- Assess the impact of environmental degradation on peace and security.
What it prepares you for
- Peace and Conflict Resolution Specialist
- Security Analyst
- International Relations Officer
- Humanitarian Aid Worker
- Diplomat
- Government
- International Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Security Sector
- Academia
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- MODULE 3
Unit 3: Concept of Strategic Studies
The unit requires understanding of complex strategic concepts and historical examples, demanding critical thinking and analytical skills.
- MODULE 4
Unit 1: Crisis Bargaining
The unit involves understanding the intricacies of crisis situations, the potential for miscalculation, and the challenges of maintaining control.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 48 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1MODULE 1
Unit 1: Theories of Security · 3 hours
Read about different security theories and their evolution.. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.. Discuss the relevance of these theories in contemporary global security challenges..
- Week 2MODULE 1
Unit 2: The Concept oof Human Security · 3 hours
Define human security and differentiate it from national security.. Examine the rationale for a human security approach.. Discuss the relationship between human security and human development..
- Week 3MODULE 1
Unit 3: Conflict and Internally Displaced Persons · 3 hours
Understand the causes and consequences of internal displacement.. Differentiate between internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.. Analyze the challenges in providing assistance and protection to IDPs..
- Week 4MODULE 1
Unit 4: Peace Enforcement · 3 hours
Define peace enforcement and its objectives.. Discuss the role of international mandates in peace enforcement operations.. Analyze the challenges and limitations of peace enforcement..
- Week 5MODULE 2
Unit 1: The Meaning of Disarmament · 3 hours
Define disarmament and its objectives.. Discuss the importance of disarmament in preventing war.. Analyze the challenges in achieving effective disarmament..
- Week 6MODULE 2
Unit 2: What is a Public Safety System · 3 hours
Define public safety and its components.. Discuss the benefits of a public safety system.. Analyze the challenges in implementing and maintaining a public safety system..
- Week 7MODULE 2
Unit 3: Security and Violence · 3 hours
Define violence and its various forms.. Discuss the factors that increase the risk of violence.. Analyze the core elements of an effective violence prevention program..
- Week 8MODULE 2
Unit 4: Environmental Degradation and Safety · 3 hours
Define environmental degradation and its causes.. Discuss the relationship between environmental degradation and armed conflict.. Analyze the measures to mitigate the effects of environmental degradation..
- Week 9MODULE 3
Unit 1: Refugees · 3 hours
Define refugees and their rights.. Discuss the causes of refugee flows.. Analyze the challenges in providing protection and assistance to refugees..
- Week 10MODULE 3
Unit 2: The Evolution of Strategic Thoughts · 3 hours
Trace the evolution of strategic thoughts from ancient times to the present.. Discuss the contributions of key strategic thinkers.. Analyze the impact of nationalism and industrialization on strategy..
Unit 3: Concept of Strategic Studies · 3 hours
Define deterrence and its requirements.. Discuss the role of communication, capability, and credibility in deterrence.. Analyze the challenges in maintaining an effective deterrent posture..
- Week 11MODULE 3
Unit 4: Crisis Management · 3 hours
Define crisis and its characteristics.. Discuss the factors that contribute to crisis escalation.. Analyze the strategies for effective crisis management..
- Week 12MODULE 4
Unit 1: Crisis Bargaining · 3 hours
Define crisis bargaining and its tactics.. Discuss the dangers of crisis bargaining.. Analyze the role of communication and miscalculation in crisis escalation..
Unit 2: The Prerequisites for Revolution · 3 hours
Identify the prerequisites for revolution.. Discuss the role of cause, organization, and phases in revolutionary warfare.. Analyze the challenges in preventing and managing revolutions..
- Week 13MODULE 4
Unit 3: The Nature of Limited War · 3 hours
Define limited war and its characteristics.. Discuss the ways to limit wars.. Analyze the challenges in maintaining control and preventing escalation in limited war..
Unit 4: War and its Resolution · 3 hours
Discuss the utility and potential causes of general war.. Analyze the attitudes towards deterrence and war-fighting.. Examine the termination problems in general war..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all study units and focus on key concepts and theories.
- Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world case studies.
- Create concept maps linking different modules and units.
- Pay particular attention to the roles and functions of international organizations like the UN and AU.
- Practice answering essay questions and time yourself to improve speed and accuracy.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PCR813 about?
This course introduces the concept of peace and security in a global context. It explores terminologies, problems, and prospects related to peace and security, with a focus on the United Nation's role, particularly in Africa. The course examines theories of security, human security, conflict, disarmament, and crisis management. It also covers topics such as refugees, strategic thoughts, and the role of civil society in early warning and response mechanisms.
How many units does PCR813 have?
PCR813, Peace And Security In A Global Context, has 25 units across 6 modules, over 158 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PCR813?
PCR813 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Social Sciences.
Is PCR813 hard?
PCR813 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PCR813 take to study?
About 75 hours of study, spread across its 25 units.
How is PCR813 assessed?
PCR813 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with PCR813?
Peace and Conflict Resolution Specialist, Security Analyst, International Relations Officer, Humanitarian Aid Worker and Diplomat.