The field of peace and conflict studies is multilevel, multidisciplinary and multicultural, comprising analytical, normative, theoretical, and practical perspectives. In this course students will learn the key analytical skills that define this field, including conflict mapping, analysis of the stages/evolution of conflict (the ABC triangle), and will apply these skills to specific case studies. This process of application will enable students to better understand the relationship between the framing of any individual conflict and the development of strategies to manage and resolve that conflict. Students will learn what strategies and interventions may have a positive effect in a conflict situation, how what we mean by positive may vary depending on the analytical tools we are employing, and what strategies and interventions should be avoided. Throughout the course conversation is underpinned by an emphasis on the ‘do no harm’ framework.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the contextual reality of what peace and conflict can mean from various perspectives, and the role of political, cultural, legal and historical inheritances to the development of those perspectives
- Refine their personal interests, skills and expertise in the field of peace and conflict studies through a focus on case studies in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Demonstrate extended knowledge of peace and conflict, as well as the conceptual foundations for understanding the mechanisms that drive peace and conflict processes.
- Develop a robust understanding of conflict analysis tools, and apply them to evaluate specific case studies of peace and conflict.
- Clearly and persuasively showcase their knowledge of academic skills through written assessments.
- Communicate research findings on the drivers and actors of specific case studies, and create innovative research approaches to case studies by using visual research tools (conflict analysis tools), thus demonstrating their comprehension of the practical skills of conflict analysis.
Indicative Assessment
- Essay (3,000 words) (50) [LO 2,4,5]
- Reflection piece (1,000 words) (15) [LO 2,3]
- Final exam (2,000 words) (25) [LO 1,2]
- Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Approximately 130 hours comprising seminars as well as associated preparation, independent study, and assessment time.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
Fisher, S. et al. Working With Conflict: Skills and Strategies for Action (London: Zed Books, 2000). The book is available at the ANU library, and the IR library.
Preliminary Reading
Barash, David and Charles Webel. Peace & Conflict Studies, 4th Edition (London: SAGE, 2018).
Bercovitch, Jacob, Victor Kremenyuk and William Zartman (eds.) The SAGE Handbook of Conflict Resolution (London: SAGE, 2009).
Crocker, Chester, Fen Hampson and Pamela Aall (eds.) Turbulent Peace: The Challenges of Managing International Conflict (Washington: United States Institute of Peace Press, 2001).
Gentry, Caron, Laura Shepherd and Laura Sjoberg (eds.) Routledge Handbook of Gender and Security, 1st Edition (London: Routledge, 2018).
Hoglund, Kristine and Magnus Oberg (ed.) Understanding Peace Research: Methods and Challenges (London: Routledge, 2011).
Lemay-Hébert, Nicolas (ed.) Edward Elgar Handbook of Intervention and Statebuilding (Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 2019).
Richmond, Oliver. Peace: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Richmond, Oliver and Gezim Visoka (eds.) Oxford Handbook of Peacebuilding, Statebuilding and Peace Formation (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019).
Visoka, Gezim. Peace Figuration After International Intervention: Intentions, Events, and Consequences of Liberal Peacebuilding (London: Routledge, 2016).
Wallensteen, Peter. Understanding Conflict Resolution (London: SAGE, 2015).
Webel, Charles and Johan Galtung (eds.) Handbook of Peace and Conflict Studies (London: Routledge, 2007).
Webel, Charles and Jorgen Johansen (eds.) Peace and Conflict Studies: A Reader (London: Routledge, 2012).
Williams, Paul (ed.) Security Studies: An Introduction. 2nd ed. (London: Routledge, 2013).
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
