GV4B8 Half Unit
Civil Wars: Concepts and Cases
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr William Kissane
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Comparative Politics, MSc in Conflict Studies, MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe, MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe (LSE & Sciences Po) and MSc in Gender, Peace and Security. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Tuesday 29 September 2020. You will be informed of the outcome by 17:00 on Wednesday 30 September 2020.
Course content
The course examines social science explanations of the origins, intractability and outcomes of civil wars. It does this through the comparative analysis of various cases. These cases may vary from year to year. Particular stress is on: Civil War and Civilization. The Concept of Civil War. Patterns of civil war since 1945. Large N approaches. Decolonisation, and Democratisation as causes of civil war. The emergence of security dilemmas. Partition and Civil War. The idea of global civil war.
Teaching
This course provides a combination of seminars and lectures totalling a minimum of 25 hours in the Lent Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of online and on-campus lectures and seminars. There will be a reading week in week 6 of the LT for private study and assessment preparation.
Formative coursework
All students are expected to submit one non-assessed essay of 1500 words.
Indicative reading
Bill Kissane, Nations Torn Asunder; The Challenge of Civil War, OUP 2016.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 3000 words) in the ST.
These assessments and their values will be the same whether a student receives teaching on campus or online.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Government
Total students 2019/20: 11
Average class size 2019/20: 11
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Communication
