GV4B8 Half Unit
Civil Wars: Concepts and Cases
This information is for the 2021/22 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.
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.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 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 differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching 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 2020/21: 29
Average class size 2020/21: 10
Controlled access 2020/21: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Communication
