SGIA47415: Conflict Analysis

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• To develop and practice approaches, skills and techniques necessary for conflict analysis.
• To learn and practice strategic conflict analysis report writing.

• Indicative module content typically includes:
• Importance of conflict analysis, examples of conflict analysis approaches from international non-governmental agencies and governments, conflict analysis tools, report writing structure and skills, oral and written report presentation.
• Students will learn and practice using case studies and practical analysis skills sessions.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Students will have, by the end of the module:
• An advanced knowledge of conflict analysis approaches applied to a conflict case study.
• An understanding of the importance of conflict analysis in situations of tension and conflict.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Students will be able, by the end of the module:
• To use a range of conflict analysis tools .
• To analyse conflicts at an advanced level.
• To link and integrate different methods of conflict analysis.
• To critically assess the relevance of analytical approaches in conflict situations.
• To be able to write a technical conflict analysis report.
• To engage in research projects at MA level in the subject of conflict analysis.

Key Skills:

• Students will be able, by the end of the module:
• To demonstrate an ability to construct argument critically for both oral and written presentation from different sources of material, including material delivered orally and in an article review, report or policy document.
• To demonstrate an independent approach to learning, critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
• To use sophisticated techniques of information retrieval and management using an array of print and digital resources.
• To demonstrate an ability to work cooperatively and constructively in group exercises and role plays.
• To formulate complex arguments in articulate and structured English, within the discursive conventions and genres of academic writing and written to high academic standard.
• To demonstrate effective time management.

• Students will be taught, and learn, using a mixture of presentations, seminars and a workshop.
• During the term the students, using a country case study, will start writing a Strategic Conflict Analysis Report. This will eventually form their summative assessment.
• Discussions and presentations will further contribute to the students independent learning and allow students the opportunity to exchange ideas, to explore issues and arguments that interest or concern them in greater depth, and to receive feedback from both the group and the lecturers on their own arguments and understanding. These will be the main form of formative feedback students receive on this module, and students will be made aware of this at the start of the module.
• Summative assessment - the summative and marked assessment will consist of 1) a group presentation of the analysis, and 2) a written strategic conflict analysis report (SCAR). The required structure of the SCAR will be given to the students and will incorporate elements taught on the module. Students will be able to choose their own report structure from those taught during the module but an indicative outline structure would include: an introduction; the conflict context; appropriate elements from the CST conflict analysis prepared as part of module coursework; conflict causes and triggers; conflict prevention, management and resolution initiatives and structures; conclusions; recommendations.

Students will be assigned to Country Case Study Teams (CSTs) for the duration of the module, and the course lecturers will meet regularly with these during the seminar time to provide continuing feedback and advice. Oversight and advice will also be given to students on how to manage team processes and dynamics. During all sessions, the CSTs will present their country analysis using a specific conflict analysis tool learnt in the module and receive feedback from lecturers and other students. The CST presentations, whilst an expected part of the coursework, are not assessed.

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