Spring 2019 - IS 309 E100

Special Topics I (4)

Peacekeeping&Peace Building

Class Number: 7529

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrolment each term.

COURSE DETAILS:

This module explores the nature and character of peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The module is divided into four sections.

(a.) Definitions of security and the nature of contemporary conflict which peacekeeping and peacebuilding are designed to mitigate and address.
(b.) An examination of traditional approaches and practice to peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
(c.) Contemporary considerations
(d.) Case Studies.

Security is defined to evaluate and interpret perceived successes of peacebuilding and peace keeping initiatives. Contemporary Conflict scenarios are explored to examine how and if the nature and character of conflict has changed. The nature and character of traditional peacekeeping practice is also examined given the insights of gender, post-colonial and post structural lenses.

The course takes a critical approach to contemporary and traditional peacekeeping perspectives and examines the utility and importance of peacekeeping tenets and practice and whether they are ‘fit for purpose’ in a security environment that is in the process of significant change.

Peacebuilding is defined and explored via the distinctions between conflict stabilisation, conflict resolution and conflict transformation.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

To distinguish between conflict transformation and conflict resolution as a means to peacebuilding
To define security
To develop an appreciation for the nature of contemporary conflict
To critically evaluate the methods of contemporary peacekeeping practice

Grading

  • Seminar presentation and discussion leadership 30%
  • Seminar participation 20%
  • Term paper 50%

NOTES:

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Koops, McQueen, Tardy and Williams. The Oxford Handbook of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations  (OUP, London 2017) Introduction, Chapter 1, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 32, Chapter 34, Chapter 37, Chapter 38

Karlsrud, J, The UN at War. Peace Operations in a new era  (Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2018) Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 7

Collins, A. Contemporary Security Studies (OUP, London, 2016) Chapter 5, Chapter 8, Chapter 14, Chapter 22

Kelshall, C & Khera,  A., Introduction to Structured Analytical Techniques, (Simon Fraser University Library, Vancouver, 2018) Introduction, Chapter 1, Chapter 2


RECOMMENDED READING:

Cooper, Heine and Thakur, Oxford Handbook of Modern Diplomacy  (OUP, Oxford 2013)  Chapter 32, Chapter 33, Chapter 43

de Coning, Aoi, Karlsrud UN Peacekeeping Doctrine in a New Era: Adapting to Stabilisation, Protection and New

Threats  (Routledge, London 2017) Introduction, Conclusion, Part 2

Kelshall, C and Dittmar, V., Accidental Power (Simon Fraser University Library, Vancouver, 2018)  Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

Journal Articles
Additional weekly readings will be assigned.


Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS