Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module SGIA47315: Policing Post-Conflict Cities

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA47315: Policing Post-Conflict Cities

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2021/22
Tied to L2K909
Tied to L2K609

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

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

Content

  • 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.

Learning Outcomes

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.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Students will be taught, and learn, using a mixture of lectures, presentations and participatory conflict analysis tools practice sessions. A typical weekly session will consist of one hour lecture and the description of an analytic approach and conflict analysis tool will form the seminars. The seminars will also consist of students working in teams to practice using the analytic tool.
  • The module will be taught in a three-week intensive period at the beginning of Easter Term. During the module, the students, using a country case study, will start writing a Strategic Conflict Analysis Report, which will form their summative assessment.
  • Discussions and presentations during the practical sessions 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.
  • Students will be assessed by a 3,000 word individual Strategic Conflict Assessment written report that focus on findings and recommendations. The required structure of the report will be given to the students.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 9 Three per week 1 hour 9
Seminars 9 Three per week 1 hour 9
Preparation and Reading 132
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Strategic Conflict Analysis Report 3,000 words 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment will take the form of continuing feedback and presentations during seminars (practical conflict analysis tools sessions0.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University