GV4B8 Half Unit
Civil Wars: Concepts and Cases
This information is for the 2022/23 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 with permission 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 30 hours in the Lent Term. 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.
Student performance results
(2018/19 - 2020/21 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 35.4 |
| Merit | 58.5 |
| Pass | 6.2 |
| Fail | 0 |
Key facts
Department: Government
Total students 2021/22: 30
Average class size 2021/22: 15
Controlled access 2021/22: Yes
Value: Half Unit
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.
Personal development skills
- Communication
