Based on the broad theme of the universal versus the particular, this module explores the interaction between identity, violent conflict and the abuse of human rights. It provides students with the opportunity to consider how protracted conflicts may be better resolved more effectively and human rights better protected. The module blends theoretical discussion of political violence with an analysis of recent conflicts and the legal and institutional mechanisms which have emerged to reduce their detrimental impact on human rights.
Part One: The Particular: Identity Politics and Violent Conflict
Part Two: The Universal: Human Rights and Violent Conflict
Human Rights and political violence is taught through lectures, seminars and guided study sessions. Weekly lectures provide a basic introduction to the key concepts and issues around which the module is structured. Films and other AV material will be used to supplement the presentation given by the lecturer.
Seminars will be used to provide a forum for wider group discussion on this material, consolidating lecture content and the student's weekly background research. Seminar exercises may involve discussions of original source excerpts, policy simulations or role plays to support student's understanding of the module content.
The module will be supported by the use of a virtual learning environment (Blackboard).
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | 3hours x 22 weeks | 66 |
Guided independent study | Weekly reading and research + reflective learning journal entries and exam revision | 234 |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
The assessment strategy has three components:
Formative feedback opportunities:
As the reflective learning journal will be undertaken on a weekly basis, several opportunities will be provided for students to obtain feedback on their entries before submitting the final journal at the end of the module
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
1) To understand and critically appraise the different theories of identity and violent conflict discussed in the module | Final Examination |
2) To analyse and develop a well founded position on the different approaches to the resolution of violent conflict discussed in the module | Final Examination |
3) Reflect on the interaction between conflicting identities, political violence and human rights abuse | Reflective learning journal |
4) Understand the ways in which human rights can mitigate the consequences of violent conflict on civilians and combatants, but might also be used as a justification for the use of political violence | Reflective learning journal Final examination |
5) Engage in advanced research of the academic relevant policy-based literature, on identity, violent conflict and human rights. | Reflective learning journal Mid-term essay Final examination |
6) Demonstrate the ability to develop a logical and well supported written argument that integrates discussion of empirical evidence with a critical analysis of theoretical material | Final Examination |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
CWK | 3,000 word essay | 50 |
CWK | Critical Learning Journal 3,000 words | 50 |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
Ozkirimli, Umut (2010) Theories of Nationalism: A Critical Introduction, 2nd Edition, Basingstoke: Palgrave
Chandra Lekha Sriram, Olga Martin-Ortega & Johanna Herman (2009) War, Conflict and Human Rights, London: Routledge
Bouillon, Markus, David M. Malone & Ben Rowswell (Eds.) (2007) Iraq: Preventing a New Generation of Conflict, London: Lynne Rienner
Herring, Eric and Glen Rangwala (2006) Iraq in Fragments: The Occupation and Its Legacy, Hurst: London
Joireman, Sandra (2003) Nationalism and Political Identity, London: Continuum
Dixon, Paul (2008) Northern Ireland: The Politics of War and Peace, Basingstoke: Palgrave
Esman, Milton (2004) An Introduction to Ethnic Conflict, Cambridge: Polity
Walzer, Michael (2004) Arguing about War, New Haven: Yale University Press
Nye, Jospeh (1999) Understanding international conflicts: an introduction to theory and history, New York, Longman
Evans, Gareth (2008) The Responsibility to Protect: Ending Mass Atrocity Crimes Once and for All, Washington DC, Brookings Institution
Shaw, Martin (2005) The new Western way of war: risk-transfer war and its crisis in Iraq, Cambridge, Polity Press
Holsti, Kalevi (1996) The state, war, and the state of war, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
Reno, William (1998) Warlord Politics and African States, London, Lynne Rienner
Diehl, Thomas (2008) Peace Operations, Cambridge, Polity Press
Foley, Conor (2008) The Thin Blue Line: How Humanitarianism went to war, London, Verso
Shaw, Martin (2003) War and Genocide, Cambridge, Polity Press
Jones, Adam (2006) Genocide: a comprehensive introduction, London, Routledge
Moir, Lindsay (2002) The Law of Internal Armed Conflict, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
Kerr, Rachel & Erin Mobekk (2007) Peace and Justice, Cambridge, Polity Press
Dolan, Chris (2005) In War We Trust: The Bush doctrine and the pursuit of just war, Aldershot, Ashgate
Dillon, Michael & Julian Reid (2009) The Liberal Way of War: Killing to make life live, London, Routledge