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PCR831

African Traditional Methods Of Conflict Resolution

This course introduces students to African traditional methods of conflict resolution. It explores the nature and causes of conflict in African societies, examining indigenous institutions and personalities involved in peace-making. The course also covers traditional strategies for peace and security, comparing them with Western methods. Students will learn about adjudication, reconciliation, mediation, negotiation, and arbitration within an African context, developing critical thinking and understanding of mutual relationships.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
75 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Self Assessment Exercises
  • Tutor Marked Assignments
  • Final Examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of PCR831, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

PCR831 · UNIT 1 SOURCES OF CONFLICT IN TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SOCIETY

Beyond the unexplainable sources of conflict (as discussed in the proceeding paragraphs) also do lay the desirability of conflict from the generational point of view. Thus, conflict derived from diverse sources in African traditional societies. These included the family, economy, chieftaincy, social and religion as well as breakdown of deplumation relations and personal annoyance over behavioural pattern.

What you should be able to do

  1. Understand the triggers of conflict in African societies.
  2. Demonstrate the performability and practicality of peace processes.
  3. Identify the dynamics of peace and harmony and their influence on cultural development.
  4. Design case studies that promote critical thinking.
  5. Acquire the knowledge of articulating indigenous peace processes.
  6. Decipher between traditional and western models of conflict resolution.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Mediator
  • Conflict Resolution Specialist
  • Peace and Security Analyst
  • Diplomat
  • Community Development Officer
Where it is applied
  • Government
  • Non-Governmental Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Community Development
  • Law Enforcement

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 1: Nature and Causes of conflict in African Society

    Unit 1: Sources of Conflict in Traditional African Society

    Understanding the interplay between cultural derivatives and specific triggers of conflict requires deep insight into African traditions.

  • Module 3: Indigenous Personalities in Conflict Resolution

    Unit 2: Ancestors

    Grasping the spiritual and metaphysical influence of ancestors demands understanding of African belief systems.

  • Module 5: Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Western Methods of Conflict Resolution

    Unit 4: Problems of Adaptation of Conflict Resolution Methods

    Requires critical evaluation of both traditional and western approaches, demanding analytical and comparative skills.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Nature and Causes of conflict in African Society
    • Unit 1: Sources of Conflict in Traditional African Society · 3 hours

      Define conflict and its sources in traditional African societies.. Discuss the role of culture in shaping conflict.. Identify family, economic, and chieftaincy-related sources of conflict..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Nature and Causes of conflict in African Society
    • Unit 2: Features of Indigenous Conflict Resolution · 3 hours

      Examine the performance stance in indigenous conflict resolution.. Analyze the use of proverbs and maxims in conflict resolution.. Discuss the rules and ethical frameworks observed during conflict resolution..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Nature and Causes of conflict in African Society
    • Unit 3: Traditional Institutions for Conflict Resolution · 3 hours

      Identify traditional institutions for conflict resolution, such as family, palace, and market.. Discuss the roles of political, economic, social, and religious institutions.. Analyze the constitutional framework for peaceful customs and norms..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Nature and Causes of conflict in African Society
    • Unit 4: Principles of Conflict Resolution in African Society · 3 hours

      Understand the principles of confidence, truth, impartiality, and transparency.. Discuss the importance of reconciliation, fairness, equity, and justice.. Analyze the application of these principles in conflict resolution..

  5. Week 5Module 1: Nature and Causes of conflict in African Society
    • Unit 5: Nature of Conflict Prevention in African Society · 3 hours

      Examine preventive measures against conflict escalation.. Discuss the roles of dialogue, diplomacy, and consultation.. Analyze the importance of justice and adherence to peaceful customs..

  6. Week 6Module 2: African Traditional Methods of Conflict Resolution
    • Unit 1: Negotiation Method · 3 hours

      Define negotiation and its structural analysis.. Discuss the significance of cooperation, compromise, and consensus.. Analyze the features of negotiation in traditional African societies..

  7. Week 7Module 2: African Traditional Methods of Conflict Resolution
    • Unit 2: Mediation Method · 3 hours

      Define mediation and its dynamics in African conflict resolution.. Discuss the roles and qualities of African mediators.. Analyze the challenges faced by mediators in traditional African societies..

  8. Week 8Module 2: African Traditional Methods of Conflict Resolution
    • Unit 3: Arbitration Method · 3 hours

      Define arbitration and its features in African conflict resolution.. Discuss the significance of trust, confidence, and mutual understanding.. Analyze the constitutional and ethical framework of arbitration..

  9. Week 9Module 2: African Traditional Methods of Conflict Resolution
    • Unit 4: Adjudication Method · 3 hours

      Define adjudication and its role in conflict resolution.. Discuss the nature of evidence and the importance of customs and norms.. Analyze the challenges faced by adjudicators in traditional African societies..

  10. Week 10Module 2: African Traditional Methods of Conflict Resolution
    • Unit 5: Reconciliation Method · 3 hours

      Define reconciliation and its perspectives in African society.. Discuss the roles and qualities of African reconciliators.. Analyze the importance of forgiveness, tolerance, and mutual orientation..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Indigenous Personalities in Conflict Resolution
    • Unit 1: Kings and Chiefs · 3 hours

      Discuss the roles of kings and chiefs in conflict resolution.. Analyze the significance of royal values and ethical devices.. Examine the challenges faced by kings and chiefs in modern times..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Indigenous Personalities in Conflict Resolution
    • Unit 2: Ancestors · 3 hours

      Understand the partnership between ancestors and the living.. Assess the roles of ancestors in the peace-making process.. Analyze the influence of ancestors on conflict prevention..

    • Unit 3: Elders and Family Heads · 3 hours

      Discuss the roles of elders and family heads in conflict resolution.. Analyze the importance of wisdom, experience, and ethical mannerism.. Examine the challenges faced by elders and family heads..

  13. Week 13Module 3: Indigenous Personalities in Conflict Resolution
    • Unit 4: Age-Grade Association · 3 hours

      Understand the task-force mandate of age-grade associations.. Assess the roles of age-grade associations in conflict resolution.. Analyze the challenges faced by age-grade associations in modern times..

    • Unit 5: Secret Societies · 3 hours

      Discuss the impact of secret societies on development.. Analyze the roles of secret societies in conflict resolution.. Examine the challenges faced by secret societies in modern times..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create concept maps linking Modules 1-3 key concepts of conflict sources, features, and indigenous personalities.
  • Compare and contrast adjudication, reconciliation, mediation, negotiation, and arbitration methods (Module 2) using real-world examples.
  • Focus on understanding the roles of kings, chiefs, ancestors, and elders in maintaining social order (Module 3).
  • Analyze case studies of traditional strategies for peace-making and security (Module 4), identifying key success factors.
  • Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of traditional versus Western conflict resolution methods (Module 5), focusing on adaptation challenges.

Questions students ask about this course

What is PCR831 about?

This course introduces students to African traditional methods of conflict resolution. It explores the nature and causes of conflict in African societies, examining indigenous institutions and personalities involved in peace-making. The course also covers traditional strategies for peace and security, comparing them with Western methods. Students will learn about adjudication, reconciliation, mediation, negotiation, and arbitration within an African context, developing critical thinking and understanding of mutual relationships.

How many units does PCR831 have?

PCR831, African Traditional Methods Of Conflict Resolution, has 24 units across 5 modules, over 197 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is PCR831?

PCR831 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Social Sciences.

Is PCR831 hard?

PCR831 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does PCR831 take to study?

About 75 hours of study, spread across its 24 units.

How is PCR831 assessed?

PCR831 is assessed by Self Assessment Exercises, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.

What can I do with PCR831?

Mediator, Conflict Resolution Specialist, Peace and Security Analyst, Diplomat and Community Development Officer.

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