PIM80-Building Peace after Civil War

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: s.b.k.vonbillerbeck@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Building peace in fragile and conflict-affected states is one of the major challenges of contemporary security and development policy. Donor states, UN peacekeepers, and multilateral institutions such as the World Bank are not only engaged in a growing number of fragile states, but their involvement also extends deeper into the domestic politics of these states than in the past.

In this module, we will evaluate different approaches to building peace in fragile and conflict-affected states, and examine the record of so-called peace and statebuilding operations. We will look both at different approaches, such as negotiating peace agreements or advancing security sector reforms, and at particular cases of peace- and statebuilding, such as Kosovo, the DRC, or Afghanistan. 

Aims:
The module aims to give students a comprehensive understanding of the most recent evidence on responses to conflict and state fragility, and on the efficacy of and challenges to these efforts. It aims to enable them to critically engage with and evaluate this evidence, and explore its implications for policy and practice.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Knowledge of conflict resolution and peace- and statebuilding policies and practices. Knowledge of case studies of peace- and statebuilding. Ability to critically engage with the material, and to relate theoretical insights to specific cases.

Additional outcomes:

Ability to consider the wider social, political and economic implications of contemporary state- and peacebuilding efforts.

Personal and key skills:

Analytical, organisational, writing and presentation skills: Ability to select and assess quality materials on assigned topics, often using the internet; ability to organise and distil the essence of large amounts of information on contested issues, and prepare it for presentation orally and in writing; ability to understand the different sides of an argument, develop an independent view on debated issues, and support it effectively. 

Outline content:

Personal and key skills:

Analytical, organisational, writing and presentation skills: Ability to select and assess quality materials on assigned topics, often using the internet; ability to organise and distil the essence of large amounts of information on contested issues, and prepare it for presentation orally and in writing; ability to understand the different sides of an argument, develop an independent view on debated issues, and support it effectively.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The class is taught in seminars. The seminars consist of student presentations as well as group discussion.



Students are expected to develop their knowledge of the subject through a high level of independent study combined with group work, which will inform the class discussions. Essays, reports, presentations, and participation are designed not only to test students' knowledge and ability to think critically and analytically in a variety of environments, but also to reinforce independent study and to ensure a careful and judicious consideration to it. Presentations are also designed to enhance transferable skills. They should aim to communicate concise, critical analyses effectively and raise topics for the subsequent discussion. Students are encouraged to explore different presentation techniques and present freely from brief notes.



The seminar discussions provide important opportunities for students to test their views and receive tutor and peer feedback. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the module convenor’s office hours to request further one-to-one feedback on their presentations, seminar contributions, and essay plans.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• 1 Summative essay of 2,500 words (including footnotes and references but excluding bibliography)


• 1 mini-case study report of 1,000 words (including footnotes and references but excluding bibliography)


• 1 in-class presentation including presentation slides and handout


• In-class participation

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall module mark

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment is in the same form as the original assessment (resit exam and resubmitting coursework).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 21 May 2019