58勛圖

IR3033 Peace Operations in Africa

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

2.00 pm Mon

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr J R McMullin

Dr J R McMullin
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr J R McMullin

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

IR3033 provides a detailed introduction to the theory and practice of conflict management, resolution, and transformation in Africa. Focusing on United Nations peace operations after the Cold War, the module analyses the evolution of UN involvement in Africa, critically explores diverse peacebuilding tasks like transitional justice and reintegration of ex-combatants, and leads students to investigate critically issues of sovereignty, intervention, security, and development. Peace operations in several states will be researched and evaluated, including in Sierra Leone, Namibia, Somalia, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Liberia. Students explore how diverse media and actors represent African conflict and peace by writing a critical film review, and they engage in independent evaluation through writing a mission assessment essay of a UN peace operation in Africa of their choice. Finally, students receive training on research and writing skills, and on how to critically analyse UN documentation.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), One 2-hour Summer Reading Seminar (Week 1, compulsory), One 3-hour Essay Writing Workshop (Week 5, compulsory), 2 optional consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours

25

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

280

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Develop a clear understanding and knowledge of: the history and politics of African post-conflict states; the role of international and regional organizations during post-conflict transition periods in African states; and the theory and practice of peacekeeping and peacebuilding
  • Trace the evolution of UN peace operations in Africa from the end of the Cold War to the present
  • Identify the principal challenges facing African states emerging from internal conflict
  • Differentiate the post-conflict roles of the UN, regional organizations, NGOs, and other actors in facilitating security and development in post-conflict states
  • Apply theories of international relations to the empirical assessment of post-conflict cases
  • Recognise and critically assess the assumptions underlying conflict management theories and techniques/components