PIM94-Building Peace

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: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Sarah Von Billerbeck
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 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 peace- and statebuilding operations. We will look both at different approaches to and elements of peacebuilding, such as post-conflict institution building or security sector reform, the different actors involved in these activities, and particular cases of peace- and statebuilding, such as Kosovo, DR Congo, or Liberia. 

Aims:

The module aims to give students a comprehensive understanding of the main forms of international responses to peacebuilding after civil conflict, and of 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:

• Theory and practice of international peacebuilding after war, including peacekeeping, statebuilding, disarmament and demobilization, the relationship between peacebuilding and development, and reconciliation, as well as  factors that promote and hinder effective peacebuilding. 


• Assess the record of contemporary peace- and statebuilding operations through study of key cases. 


• Examine a variety of peacebuilding actors, e.g. the UN, regional organizations, grassroots groups and NGOs, and local groups

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 r einforce 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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20
Placement	20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	30
Wider reading (directed)	50
Preparation for presentations	20
Preparation for seminars	20
Essay preparation	40
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Report	30
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• 1 Summative essay of 3,000 words (including footnotes and in-text references but excluding bibliography) (40%)


• 1 mini-case study report of 2,000 words (including footnotes and in-text references but excluding bibliography) (30%)


• 1 in-class presentation or group exercise including presentation slides and handout (20%)


• In-class participation (10%) (based on demonstration of having done course readings, responding critically and analytically to questions and debates, and engaging with peers in refining, challenging, and supporting various arguments)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

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):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022