SDC-34306 Conflict, Development and Disaster

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This course introduces methodological and conceptual approaches to grasp the nexus between development, conflict and disaster. We examine the relation between crisis and societal transformation through the lens of violent conflict. Students will be invited to reflect upon possible research questions and approaches for the broader field of disaster studies as well. The course links contemporary conflicts to issues of (under)development. We critically appraise the notion that conflict is a result of a lack of development or lop-sided, uneven patterns of political and economic development, or that conflict means 'development in reverse'. Pertinent issues discussed include the debate on causation of conflict, rationalities in conflict, the discursive construction of conflict, the notion of securitisation, and violence and ordering processes. The emergence of an integrated paradigm in disaster and conflict policies will be reviewed Finally, it is discussed how development interventions may help to prevent, mitigate or resolve conflicts and disaster.
Students will be invited to grasp the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of the issues discussed and are required to demonstrate in their essay that they can formulate topical and feasible research questions that properly operationalise theoretical and policy concerns relating to conflict, development and disaster.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- interpret, explain and critique prevailing theories of conflict and crisis;
- juxtapose the major explanatory approaches and link them to their underlying epistemologies;
- appraise and deconstruct the concept of securitisation;
- understand and analyse the relationships between development, conflict and disaster at the level of theory, policy, and social reality;
- identify and critically appraise major policy approaches, at local, national and international levels;
- critically examine and appraise peace building and conflict transformation as intervention practice.

Activities:

Students are expected to attend the lectures, to read the literature in preparation of the sessions, and to actively engage in the discussion.

Examination:

- written exam (60%);
- assignments (40%).
Both components require a minimum mark of 5.50 to pass the course.

Literature:

The literature will be made available through MyPortal.