Addressing Communal Conflict module (PO52020)

The module introduces the principal theoretical approaches to conceptualising conflict, typologies, and responses. It compares and critically assesses the institutional and policy choices of societies with ethnic, linguistic, and/or religious divisions, and explains the consequences that these different choices have for social and political outcomes in divided societies.

The institutional focus includes analysis of electoral system design for divided societies, the dynamics of electoral and party competition within ethnic segmentation, and consociationalism. 
 

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• examine and critically engage with the main approaches to conflict management and accommodation
• explore a range of cases of conflict and responses available including territorial and non-territorial autonomy, consociationalism, decentralisation, integration, and citizenship

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand the genesis and management of ethnic and nationalities conflicts, as well as their causes and dynamics
   
• assess theoretical and practical implications of diverse approaches to conflict management
• understand the limits of each of the approaches as well as normative and legal issues that arise from them
• apply the most appropriate responses to conflict management in different cases

Assignments / assessment

• essay 2,500 words (50%)
  • to reflect key themes and concepts
• case study 2,000-2,500 words (50%)
  • apply key concepts to a specific context, critically evaluate conflict management options, and explore alternatives
• formative in-class presentation
  • presentations of key issues of the case study

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• weekly seminars
  • you will be required to prepare for these seminars in advance
  • seminars will involve critically assessing, discussing, and critiquing assigned readings
• short (guest) lectures
   
• student presentations

Seminars in this module are broadly divided into three blocks. The first block deals with the origin of conflict, theories, and concepts. The second block covers the typologies of conflict management, and the pros and cons of different approaches to dealing with diversity. This is followed by the third block focusing on case studies.