Postgraduate - UnitAPG5337 - Conflict resolution and Islam in the Middle East

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2013 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

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Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Organisational Unit	Politics
Offered	Caulfield Second semester 2013 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Ben MacQueen

Notes

Previously coded PLM5460

Synopsis

This unit will explore the patterns of civil and international conflict in Islamic societies in the Middle East and attempts at its resolution. Specifically, it will highlight how a variety of formal and informal conflict resolution mechanisms have been employed with varying degrees of success. This review of the mechanics of conflict resolution will be complemented by a detailed examination of conflict resolution theory and how it links to practice. A series of case studies will be coupled with a detailed examination of both the theoretical and practical underpinnings of conflict resolution to evaluate current and alternative trends at the resolution of conflict in the Middle East.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will have:

An intricate knowledge of the patterns of conflict in the Middle East as well as the mechanics of conflict resolution
An understanding of the interconnectedness of patterns of conflict in the Middle East and an ability to relate the interconnectedness of conflicts to the difficulties of conflict resolution
An understanding of Islamic political and social mechanisms relative to the processes of conflict resolution
A detailed knowledge of the conflict resolution processes in the Arab-Israel/Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, the Lebanese civil war, the Iran-Iraq war, the Algerian civil war and the current conflicts in Iraq and Sudan
An appreciation of the role of international powers in the conflict and resolution processes in the Middle East
An understanding of the broad conceptual basis of conflict resolution theory from materialist, structuralist, and 'culturalist' standpoints
An understanding of the various manifestations of conflict resolution practice, such as Track I and II diplomacy, interstate and non-state negotiations, and the role of civil society
An understanding of the role of major international powers in Middle Eastern conflict resolution as well as the mechanics of United Nations conflict resolution practice, the role of NGOs and local cultural processes of conflict resolution
A sophisticated level of oral skills
Improved writing skills by producing two research essays
Developed research skills and theoretical background and ability.