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PIM35-Security and Conflict Resolution (On Location)

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and Internat Studs
Number of credits: 30 [15ECTS credits]
Level: M
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring
Module Convenor: Professor PR Woodward
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email: p.r.woodward@reading.ac.uk

Aims:

  • Analyse the nature, sources and patterns of internationally significant conflicts
  • Examine alternative methods of conflict management and resolution with particular reference to negotiation
  • Analyse the defining characteristics and diverse functions of police and internal security forces in their comparative context
  • Discuss patterns of change and proposals for police reform

    Assessable learning outcomes:

  • Demonstrate thorough understanding and knowledge of a range of different types of conflicts and crime, and their management and control
  • Ability to critically assess and compare different conflict resolution and policing strategies
  • Relate empirical evidence regarding case studies and contemporary events to general theoretical paradigms and issues, and vice versa
  • Ability to understand different perspectives, develop an independent view and support it effectively

    Additional outcomes:

  • Ability to select and assess quality materials on assigned topics
  • Ability to organize and distil the essence of large amounts of information on contested issues
  • Prepare effective presentations of complex material

    Outline content:
    This module will consist of two elements:

    Conflict and Conflict Resolution

  • Analysis of the sources of conflict, including intractable conflicts
  • Exploration of barriers to resolution of disputes
  • Examination of paradigms of negotiation, including pre-negotiation, second-tract diplomacy, and problem-solving
  • Discussion of the role of ethics, values and principles in conflict situations
  • Consideration of dynamics of large–scale multilateral/global negotiations
  • Examination of the problem of implementation of agreements
  • Exploration of unusual negotiations, e.g. problems of bargaining with terrorists

    Policing Citizens
  • Examination of the functions of the police in various jurisdictions
  • Discussion of law enforcement and peacekeeping activities
  • Analysis of ‘police sub-culture’
  • Consideration of the policing of public order
  • Exploration of the sources of police deviancy
  • Assessment of police accountability arrangements in different jurisdictions
  • Appraisal of police reforms

    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

  • Lecture/presentations providing overview of the fundamentals of each topic
  • Seminar discussions to explore issues in depth
  • Simulations and case studies
  • Appraisal of written exercises and seminar presentations by students


    Contact hours:
    New Page 1


       1st Block 2nd Block  
    Lectures      
    Tutorials/seminars 16 x 1.5 hours 16 x 1.5 hours  
    Practicals      
    Other contact (eg study visits)      
           
    Total hours 24 24  
           
    Number of essays or assignments 1 1  
    Exam 1 1  

    Assessment:
    Coursework

    2 x 4,000 word essays

    Relative percentage of coursework : 80%

    Penalties for late submission

    Work submitted up to one calendar week after the deadline, will be subject to a deduction of 10 marks. Work submitted more than one calendar week after the deadline will receive a mark of 0 (zero).

    Examinations

    Each examination will be an unseen close-book examination in which candidates will have to answer two questions.

    Relative percentage of examination 20%

    Requirements for a pass 50%


    Reassessment arrangements

    Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be submitted within four months of the original deadline.

    An exam mark of 40% or more will also be carried forward. For marks below 40%, re-examination will take place within four months.

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