Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LM Conflict in Developing Countries
School	Government
Department	International Development
Module Code	07 23946
Module Lead	Dr Beswick
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	A compulsory module: PgDip and MSc International Development ? Distance Learning (Pathway in Conflict, Security and Development)
Exclusions
Description	This module provides an introduction to contemporary conflict analysis with a particular emphasis on the developing world. The module will cover a range of explanatory theories of conflict and violence, particularly focusing on sub Saharan Africa, and will examine competing approaches to understanding conflict on the ground. There will be an emphasis on the links between theories and the practical application of post-conflict and development strategies on the ground, backed up by analysis of case studies chosen by the module convenor and those selected by individual students. Each section of the module focuses on a specific theme, highlighting features and understandings of conflict in the developing world and beginning to explore the responses these have produced. The early sessions focus on how links between security and development are portrayed and explained. Other sessions focus primarily on approaches to analysing conflict in developing countries, exploring explanations which have been offered for violence and conflict in the developing world and their implications. We will also analyse what have been considered to be defining features of conflict in the developing world. This includes deconstructing the notion of ‘New War’, considering the political-economy of conflict and unpacking the roles played by ethnicity and identity.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module, students should be able to: Describe, interpret and explain patterns of conflict in the developing world; Compare, contrast and critique competing theories of violence and conflict; Examine in-depth the linkages between conflict, security and development; Critically analyse and explain the interaction between exclusion, governance, poverty and violence; Evaluate critically a range of theoretical frameworks relating international relations, security and development.
Assessment	23946-01 : Assignment 1 : Coursework (40%) 23946-02 : Assignment 2 : Coursework (60%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	1 x 2,000 word assignment (40%) 1 x 3,000 word assignment (60%) Reassessment: Resubmission of failed assignment(s)
Other	None
Reading List