IRE223 Nations in conflict

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2020
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Maya Higgins, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Maya Higgins, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Thu 20. 2. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 27. 2. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 5. 3. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 12. 3. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 19. 3. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 26. 3. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 2. 4. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 9. 4. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 23. 4. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 30. 4. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 7. 5. 12:00–13:40 P22, Thu 14. 5. 12:00–13:40 P22
Prerequisites
None
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 50 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/50, only registered: 0/50
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives (in Czech)
This course will take the students through the history, realities and challenges pertaining to several of the most prominent armed conflicts of our time. Students will be exposed to multiple approaches and school of thoughts necessary in order to understand the complex nature of violent conflicts. The course is composed of two parts: the first part will provide students with an introduction to the topic of conflicts in international relations. We will explore and discuss conflict typology, theories of conflict (what causes war?) and the various ways to terminate them. In the second part of the course, students will be introduced to various historical and political trajectories of specific conflicts. Conflicts will vary in type, causes, time and location, and include The Argentine-British War of 1982, The Iraq-Iranian War, The Gulf war (1991), The Balkan conflicts, ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland, The Syrian civil war (2011-) and the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Upon presenting each conflict, we will turn to the analysis of the conflicting narratives of the parties involved, alongside the multi-layered effects of the conflicts (social, political, economic, etc.). Paying special attention to the offset of the aforementioned conflicts, we will explore, explain and discuss politics, religion and nationalism.
Learning outcomes (in Czech)
After completing the course: • Students would acquire knowledge concerning various theories, types, and underlying motivation for conflicts in international relations. • Students would be able to critically engage with different theories of nationalism and ethnic conflict. • Students will gain a solid understanding of the various actors and history of the main conflicts of our time. • Students should be able to identify and discuss the major events and themes pertaining to each conflict. • Students would possess basic skills and competences to analyse and discuss narratives and challenges the conflicting societies are facing.
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • The syllabus will be available on IS two weeks before the beginning of the semester.
Teaching methods (in Czech)
Teaching will include lectures, discussions and group-work in class.
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Students are required to read the assigned literature. Lectures do not require attendance. However, material covered by the lecturer is part of the final exam and is only overlap with the assigned literature. Students are required to write a mid-term quiz and submit a conflict report (in couples or groups of four), surveys a specific conflict (either from the list or of their choice). For off-list conflicts please consult with the lecturer. The course is concluded by a final exam. Successful completion of the course requires the successful completion of every individual assignment.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2020/IRE223