PECOS4010 - Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
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Course content
This course provides an introduction to central theories of conflict, war and peace. Moreover, the course provides an introduction to the relationship between conflict, war and peace and certain phenomena such as a country’s system of government and nationalism.
Both the theoretical premises and the mechanisms that link the explanatory factors to decisions on war and peace will be discussed. To some extent, the empirical support for various theories and hypothesis will be discussed. The course will mainly be taught by political scientists.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Students will
- Be familiar with main concepts and definitions associated with studies of conflict, war and peace;
- Acquire knowledge of main theoretical perspectives and key issues of intra- and international conflict, war and peace;
- Be introduced to the relationship between conflict, war and peace and key factors such as systems of governance, trade, economic development and nationalism;
- Be familiar with the empirical support of main theories and hypotheses of conflict, war and peace.
Skills
Students will
- Acquire understanding of how theories and explanatory factors at different levels can be combined in analyses of conflict and peace
- Be able to formulate researchable questions and analyse them according to scientific methods of research
- Develop skills in commenting other students’ work in a constructive manner.
Competences
Students will
- Acquire general understanding of key factors and mechanisms causing conflict and enabling peace and be able to critically analyse historic and comparative cases of intra- and international conflict, war and peace.
Admission
This course is open to excange students who are on the master's level. Students admitted to other Master programmes may be qualified to apply for the course. Please see the webpage on Admission to single master's courses.
For incoming students:
All Master's courses in Political Science must be registered manually by the Department, they will not appear in Studentweb. Contact your international coordinator at UiO.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Bachelor's degree in Political Science or equivalent.
Recommended previous knowledge
Knowledge of research methods.
Teaching
Lectures.
The lectures are not compulsory but we advise you to follow them.
One-day workshop on academic writing.
The purpose of the workshop is to develop your ability to formulate a researchable issue and to address this issue in a scientifically tenable manner. In addition to this, the workshop will give you training in commenting other students’ written work in a constructive manner. More information on the workshop will be given at the beginning of the semester.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
3 hour written exam. Term paper.
The exam will consist of a written, invigilated exam of 3 hours’ duration and a term paper assignment. The grade for the invigilated exam will count for 60% of the total grade. The grade for the term paper assignment will count for 40% of the total course grade.
In order to receive a pass grade for your term paper assignment, the term paper must be of 3500-5000 words lenght (including footnotes/endnotes) and address an issue that is relevant to the course. It does not have to reflect the course readings and curriculum. The term paper must conform to normal academic standards.
In order to pass the course, you have to have a pass grade both for the invigilated exam and the term paper, and your exam and your term paper assignment must be passed in the same semester as the course is taught. You will receive one overall grade for the course.
Guidelines for home assignments - Technical standards, deadlines etc.
Examination support material
Students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in before the examination. Please read regulations for dictionaries permitted at the examination.
Language of examination
English
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
- Explanation of grades - deadline and processing time
- Appeal about grades
- Complaint about formal exam errors
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
If you wish to withdraw from the exam you must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the deadline. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.