Overview

This unit provides students with an introduction to conflict resolution in international politics. It explores forms of violence in the international system at a number of levels, and considers the sources of conflicts as well as models of conflict resolution. Theoretical understandings of peace and conflict in global politics will be critically assessed via case studies, with a view to developing analytical skills that can be applied to both conceptual and empirical work.

Requisites

Prerequisites

50 credit points

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Teaching Period 1
Location
Online
Start and end dates
10-March-2025
08-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
23-March-2025
Census date
04-April-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
02-May-2025
Results released date
01-July-2025
Teaching Period 3
Location
Online
Start and end dates
03-November-2025
08-February-2026
Last self-enrolment date
16-November-2025
Census date
28-November-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
02-January-2026
Results released date
03-March-2026

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of conflict
  • Describe the range of analytical models applied to the study of conflict and its resolution
  • Outline the complex dynamics of conflict situations
  • Demonstrate an understanding of trends and developments in conflict resolution
  • Critically assess conflict resolution methods, approaches and case studies, working independently and with others

Teaching methods

Swinburne Online

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Live Online
Class		0.33 12 weeks 4
Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning		12.17 12 weeks 146
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Major EssayIndividual 50% 1,2,3,4,5 
PresentationGroup 20% 3,4,5 
Project ReportIndividual 30% 1,3,4 

Content

  • Origins and development of conflict resolution and peace studies
  • The nature, sources, and definitions of conflict
  • Models of and approaches to conflict resolution and peace
  • Application of models and approaches to relevant case studies
  • Criticisms of and obstacles to conflict resolution

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.