Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit will survey a range of policy issues relevant to building and restoring democratic and electoral processes in post-conflict societies. The unit will provide a historical overview of the processes, international institutions and practice and debates including the liberal peace agenda. Field based case studies and evidence based best practice will be used in workshop formats to support lecture style presentations.

Objectives

On satisfactory completion of this subject, students will have developed research, critical thinking and writing of the highest academic standards.

Learning Objectives:

1. Critical understanding of the concepts behind the stabilization processes in post-conflict societies.
2. Critical understanding of field-based examples relevant to the unit.
3. Development of analytical skills that help to question the appropriateness of responses and interventions.
4. Capacity for independent, self-motivated research.
5. Capacity to write lucid, critical, balanced assessments of crisis management.
6. Opportunities to specialise in particular areas of building democratic and civil society institutions and electoral management by the provision of world class research training and supervision.

Assessment

A short essay on 'The Operational Aspects of Crisis Management' (1,000 words): 15%
Ppt/oral presentation at the one day seminar: 10%
Research essay (7,000 words): 75%

Contact hours

33 hours of lecture/seminars in block mode plus a one day seminar consisting of 15 min project presentations by each student.