Course Description
This course surveys the basic practical and theoretical foundations of peace and conflict transformation. The basic theories of conflict transformation provide a framework for understanding the dynamics of practice.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Examine the role of theory as the framework for practice;
- Evaluate conflict and peace theories, terminology, and intervention strategies;
- Compare and contrast theories of conflict, causation, escalation, and persistence;
- Assess the benefits and shortcomings of a range of conflict resolution strategies; and
- Collaborate with other team members to carry out a conflict analysis and articulate an appropriate intervention.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Discussion and participation (Week 6 and Week 11) | 12 points |
| Film review (Due: September 10) | 15 points |
| Mid-term exam (September 29) | 28 points |
| Understanding theory (October 29) | 20 points |
| Intervention strategies paper (Due: November 13) | 15 points |
| Creative summary (December 2) | 10 points |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 94–100 | A |
| 90–93 | A- |
| 87–89 | B+ |
| 83–86 | B |
| 80–82 | B- |
| 77–79 | C+ |
| 73–76 | C |
| 70–72 | C- |
| 67–69 | D+ |
| 63–66 | D |
| 60–62 | D- |
| 59 or below | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance/participation is not a graded component included in the student's final grade for this course.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
- Ury, W. (2000). The Third Side: Why we fight and how can we stop?
- Reimer, et al. (2015). Transformative Change: An Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies. Lexington Books.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.