General entry requirements + Civics 1b or Civics 1a1 +1a2 and English 6.

The course is part of the main field of study Peace and Conflict studies at the 1-30 credit level and meets the degree requirements for the degree of Bachelor, main field of study Peace and Conflict studies

The aim of the course is for the students to acquire a basic understanding of Peace and Conflict Studies and its scientific development as a discipline. In addition, students will gain insights into the key theories and concepts relating to historical and contemporary conflicts. Furthermore, students will obtain an understanding of the role of international law in international armed conflicts, how threats are represented, and organized violence is legitimated. Furthermore, students will obtain an understanding of how threats are represented and organized violence is legitimated.

Contents

The course consists of four modules:

1. The history of conflicts and the idea of peace (7.5 hp)

This module gives an overview of the history of wars and conflicts as well as the history of ideas related to peace. The module also covers the rise of the contemporary global world order and its consequences.

2. The foundation of Peace and Conflict Studies (7.5 hp)

This module gives an introduction to the concepts and theories within peace and conflict studies as well as to the development of the discipline. Different experiences of organized violence are addressed.

3. United Nations in Conflict Management (7.5 hp)

This module gives an overview of the different functions, mechanisms, and conditions of public international law during and after international armed conflicts. The module gives an introduction to the United Nations’ role and challenges as the upholder of international peace and security in the contemporary international system.

4. Enemy Images (7.5 hp)

This module concerns enemy images and how they can be used to justify war. In addition, the module addresses how they arise and are reproduced. Lastly, the module discusses their consequences and how they can be counteracted.

The course consists of four modules with the following learning outcomes:

1. The history of conflicts and the idea of peace (7.5 hp)
After completing the module the student will

1. have basic knowledge about the history of ideas on the idea of peace
2. have basic knowledge about the history of warfare
3. have basic knowledge about economic history and its impact on warfare
4. have the ability to read and assimilate academic texts

2. The foundation of Peace and Conflict Studies (7.5 hp)
After completing the module the student will

1. have basic knowledge about the development of peace and conflict studies as a discipline
2. have knowledge about different forms of direct and structural violence
3. be able to explain the basic concepts of peace and conflict studies and be able to apply them

3. United Nations in Conflict Management

After completing the module the student will

1. have basic knowledge about legal methods of peaceful settlements of international armed conflicts
2. have basic knowledge about the legal framework regulating international armed conflict and its aftermath
3. have knowledge about the United Nations and its role, functions and challenges as the upholder of international peace and security
4. be able to explain the relationship between state practice and public international law in contemporary international armed conflicts
5. be able to use basic academic formalities and academic language

4. Enemy Images (7.5 hp)

After completing the module the student will

1. be able to independently identify and analyze enemy image constructs in different contexts
2. have basic understanding of how enemy images and cultural violence can justify different forms of violence
3. have basic understanding of how media and other actors create and reproduce enemy images
4. have basic understanding of theories explaining the acceptance of enemy images as well as how enemy images can be counteracted
5. be able to use academic formalities and academic language

The course is designed for full-time study. The teaching in each module is mainly in the form of lectures and seminars. The majority of the student’s workload consists of independent study.

Students are responsible for keeping up the reading and for coming prepared to each class. Students are expected to take their own initiatives to form reading groups.

The course is based on the students’ active participation in discussions.

1. The history of conflicts and the idea of peace (7.5 hp)

The students’ performance in the module is assessed by means of a individual exam (7.5 hp).

2. The foundation of Peace and Conflict Studies (7.5 hp)

Learning outcome 1, 2, and 3 are assessed by means of a formal exam (6.5 hp). Learning outcome 3 is also assessed by means of a written and oral group presentation (1 hp, pass is the only grade given).

3. United Nations in Conflict Management (7.5 hp)

The students’ performance in the module is assessed by means of an individual take home exam (7.5 hp).

4. Enemy Images (7.5 hp)

Learning outcome 1, 2 and 5 are assessed by means of a take home exam (5 hp).

Learning outcome 3 and 4 are assessed by means of an oral exam (2.5 hp).

Malmö University provides students who participate in, or who have completed a course, with the opportunity to express their opinions and describe their experiences of the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarise the results of course evaluations. The University will also inform participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures taken in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).

If a course is no longer offered, or has undergone significant changes, the students must be offered two opportunities for re-examination based on the syllabus that applied at the time of registration, for a period of one year after the changes have been implemented.

The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.

If a student has a Learning support decision, the examiner has the right to provide the student with an adapted test, or to allow the student to take the exam in a different format.