Freds- og konfliktstudier Oslo New University College

Curriculum

The following courses provide all 10 credits. You will only study two subjects at the same time 1 Introduction to International Studies 2 Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies 3 Conflict resolution, peace building and conflict prevention 4 Religion and Conflict 5 Human Rights 6 Regions in Conflict 1 Introduction to International Studies (10 credits) This course provides an introduction to a range of international topics such as international history, international relations, international economics and comparative politics. These topics are important for understanding how states relate to each other through cooperation, trade, peace and conflict. course will provide an introduction to key institutions and other actors in the international arena and provide a basis for understanding how and why actors in the international community act as they do. student should be able to: • Understand the characteristics of the subjects of international politics, international history, international economics and comparative politics. • Clarify historical feature of the international community and assess historical events cleansers significance for contemporary international relations. • Analyze and understand the trends and tendencies in international politics • problematize various aspects of globalization processes and to assess the extent to which globalization is taking place in different areas (economic, political, etc.) • Identify and assess the characteristic features of international and regional organizations and their place in the international interaction • Understand and evaluate the factors that underlie the design of Norwegian foreign policy • Clarify various political theories Learning targets • International history • Political Theories • Globalization • International organizations • Regional organizations • Non-state actors • Norwegian foreign policy 2 Introduction to Peace and conflict studies (10 credits) This study module introduces students to the field as peace and conflict research. It is a multidisciplinary subject that stretches across political science, comparative politics, psychology, anthropology, religion, sociology, to name a few. conflicts, war and peace has been part of humanity and the political game as long as they have existed. It will introduce students to various concepts and theories in the field in a historical and philosophical perspective. Conflict in itself is not negative, then a series of social changes have occurred as a result of conflict. This topic will see what it is that makes some conflicts develop the use of violence and warfare. Various theories regarding causes and dynamics in terms of conflict will be one of the main areas. Students will: • Clarify the emergence of peace work and peace move reader through the ages • Clarify various types of conflicts • Clarify various terms in • Assess what distinguishes modern conflicts from 'traditional' conflicts and evaluate the causes of conflicts • Evaluate various research findings in the field • Clarify the difference between positive and negative peace • Assess the importance of studying gender issues in relation to peace and conflict Learning targets • What do we understand by the concept of peace? • What is peace and conflict studies? • What do we understand by the concepts of conflict and war? • Peace efforts and peace movements throughout history • Gender and conflict • Environment and Conflict • Ethical Dilemma (existence just war?) • Causes of conflict and war (various levels) • How we can understand contemporary conflicts 3 Conflict, peacebuilding and conflict prevention (10 credits) This course covers the study measures used to promote peace and prevent conflicts. These methods cover a wide aspect that deals with everything from high-level diplomacy to grassrotbevegelser. The course will focus on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, peacekeeping and peacemaking and look at a number of measures and methodologies within each section. Various international actors, first and foremost the UN has spearheaded attempts to resolve the conflict. External actors can contribute to the peace process on the basis of self-interest and this will also be discussed. An important aspect will be the Norwegian contribution to peace and conflict resolution. These areas are emphasized great importance in Norwegian foreign policy and will be a natural part of the study. Students will: • Clarify the development of peace work • Clarify the different terms used in the field (peacebuilding, peacekeeping, peacemaking, preventive diplomacy, conflict resolution etc.). • Know the methods and actions that can contribute to reconciliation between the parties to a conflict • Assess and analyze various actors role in peace building and conflict resolution • Critically evaluate and assess the Norwegian contribution to peace building and conflict resolution Learning targets • Historical development • Peacebuilding: Theory and practice • Conflict Prevention: Theory and Practice • Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice • Peacemaking: theory and practice • Peacekeeping • Democracy and Peace • Women and peace • Different actors role in peace building and conflict resolution (UN, regional organizations, non-state actors) • Norway's efforts in peace building and conflict resolution 4 Religion and Conflict (10 credits) Religion is often used as a key factor in understanding why different conflicts erupt. This learning module will look at the different religions and try to identify some of the aspects that underlie such statements. Different types of religious fundamentalism and terrorism will also be analyzed. The other side of religions that will be analyzed is their role as peace tools to create reconciliation and understanding between different groups. In many conflicts, religious leaders and organizations played an important role, a role that is often overlooked in terms of political leaders, heads of state and international organizations. Students will be able to • Provide a deeper understanding of different religions and people of different beliefs • Identify religions role in society and politics. • Clarify and assess how religion affects social and political conflicts • Evaluate and explain how religion can help resolve conflicts and promote peace. • Clarify religious leaders and organizations' role both at local, national and international level to resolve conflicts. • Evaluate the role of religion in specific conflicts Learning targets • How do the concepts of peace and conflict are discussed in various religions (emphasis on the five major religions) • Religion and Globalization • Religion as a cause of conflict • Religious fundamentalism • Religious Terrorism • Religion as a tool in peace building at local, national and international level. • Cases 5 Human Rights (10 credits) The course will provide an introduction to human rights both theoretical and practical perspective. The course will illustrate the development of human rights from a historical perspective up to the present. Questions about the universality of human rights will also be evaluated from a critical perspective. Overall, this should provide a basis for understanding the challenges we face today, but also future issues. Students will be able to: • Understand the evolution of human rights in a historical and philosophical perspective • Understand and critically assess how the political implementation of human rights are place at national, regional and international levels. • Understand how the study of human rights spanning a variety of academic disciplines • Clarify and evaluate various topical issues contradictions between the fight against terrorism and the protection of human rights, business and human rights, women's rights. • Evaluate and consider the relationship between human rights, development and conflict Learning targets • What are human rights? • Introduction to human rights history • Are there universal human rights? • Women and human rights • Security versus rights • Implementation of Human Rights • Globalization and Human Rights • Gross violations of human rights 6 Regions in Conflict (10 credits) This course will tie together a number of other courses, including Introduction to International Studies, Introduction to peace and conflict studies, conflict resolution, peacekeeping and peace prevention. In this course, different regions will be analyzed and compared. In addition, students in groups deal with a specific conflict to be analyzed. Students will: • Acquire empirical knowledge and understanding of political, social and economic challenges in the different regions are facing • Assess how the various regions affected by globalization • Assessing commonalities and differences between conflicts in the regions • Evaluate the conflict resolution measures that have been implemented • Clarify and assess interaction at different levels and areas within regions • Clarify migration patterns in the region of Learning targets • Regions: Mainly three regions, but comparison with other regions will be made : Africa, Latin America and Europe (other relevant regions can be East Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East). • Historical overview • Political, social and economic development • Conflict Causes in regions • External stakeholders influence and actions in the regions • Democratization in various regions • Regional security • Regional cooperation