Conflict and Peace Building: Global and Intersectional Perspectives

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Conflict and Peace Building: Global and Intersectional Perspectives

  • Host University

    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

  • Location

    Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  • Area of Study

    Peace and Conflict Studies

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    6
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4
  • Overview

    COURSE OBJECTIVE
    The aim of this course is to introduce students to the key concepts and developments of conflict management/transformation, reconciliation and peacemaking in (post-)conflict societies, making special emphasis on the micro-level, i.e. individual dispositions, attitudes and behavior.

    When finalizing the course, students will have knowledge and understanding of
    - The main concepts and theories of reconciliation, conflict management and peace-building;
    - The role of intersectional identities (e.g. religion, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, etc.) in reconciliation, conflict management and peace-building;
    - The complexity of intercultural and interreligious encounters in (post-)conflict situations;
    - The application of multiple perspectives to specific cases of conflict management and peace building in (post-)conflict societies.
    - To integrate knowledge of multiple disciplines with the purpose of handling complexity of issues related to peace management and reconciliation and designing effective solutions.

    COURSE CONTENT
    In order to understand the process through which conflict transformation/reconciliation is constructed after violent political conflicts, and how it shapes individual as well as collective identity, it is necessary to focus on the everyday experiences, interests, and needs of the different actors involved in this process on the micro-level. This course discusses and examines some of the key concepts and developments in the field of conflict management, peacemaking and reconciliation research, providing students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the causes and dynamics of violent ethnic/religious conflicts, models of conflict transformation and resolutions. The course has a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise in religious studies, conflict studies, psychology, sociology, history, and media studies. This interdisciplinary perspective allows a comprehensive understanding of conflict management/peace-making in (post)conflict societies.

    TEACHING METHODS
    Seminars/lectures are main teaching methods of this course. The students will also have an excursion to the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague.

    TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
    Written assignment

    The essay will deal with a topic related to the course theme (to be approved by the lecturer). The ideal topic will combine a specific example of conflict and peace building and theoretical framework discussed during the class. Size: max 3000 words. Deadline will be announced, to be submitted through Canvas. Criteria include the following:
    - Precise description of the phenomenon/issue/conflict/peacebuilding
    - Analysis of theoretical questions -
    Critical connection of phenomenon and theoretical reflection
    - Use and proper referencing of literature
    - Use and proper referencing of classroom materials
    - Language and presentation

    RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
    An interest in conflict and peace-bulding studies.

Course Disclaimer

Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences 

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