The purpose of the course is to provide knowledge creation and knowledge transfer in the areas of international conflict analysis, prevention and resolution. While the majority of world is aware of the major alternative dispute resolution processes such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and hybrid ADR processes, most do not have a solid foundation in the areas of conflict analysis and prevention, either domestically or internationally, despite the numerous international institutions that seem tailored to resolve international disputes. Furthermore, these areas of analysis and prevention are severely overlooked and under-utilised in the seemingly urgent need to quickly resolve disputes. In so doing, many disputes, especially on the international stage, sometimes result in only interim solutions that are neither long-lasting nor sustainable.

The aim of this course is to investigate and critically examine ways in which conflict analysis and conflict prevention, both at the domestic and especially at the international level, can foster more efficient and more effective conflict resolution that is both sustainable and results in greater international harmony. By accomplishing the course aims and objectives, students will develop a more nuanced and methodical approach to helping solve some of our global society’s most pressing international and domestic conflicts by leveraging a broader knowledgebase of international conflict analysis, prevention, and resolution processes and techniques.

The structure of the course reflects the fact that accomplishing the course aims requires students to undertake the following tasks:

• Display an attitude of curiosity, creative problem-solving, and innovation towards knowledge and issues analysed in class;
• Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and synthesise knowledge as well as apply that knowledge to solve real-life social problems at the domestic and international level by leveraging a comparative and interdisciplinary understanding of issues; and
• Accomplish the production of a significant independent research paper consistent with relevant academic writing standards, which will serve as a basis for the discovery of innovative and creative solutions to real-life situations and legal issues as well as a self-designed conflict analysis, prevention, and resolution (CAPeR) decision framework.

Students will accomplish the above tasks in a positive, discovery-enriched, interactive learning environment composed of a combination of class instruction using the Socratic method (where applicable), technology integration tools, independent study, and the assistance of individual one-on-one mentoring sessions as needed. Independent thinking and skills development is strongly encouraged as this will be a necessary element in the continued development of a discovery and innovation mindset towards conflict analysis, prevention, and resolution in a professional setting.

Examination: Open book examination during normal examination period

Remarks:

AT1 - Participation:

Participation is 30% of your final grade. Attendance is an important element of this course and allows students to participate and further develop their course CILOs. Participation includes any and all in-class activities including, but not limited to, class participation exercises, group presentations, and active question and answer opportunities in lecture and tutorial. Participation during classes, in tutorials, in small group sessions, and in large group sessions, where appropriate, enables students to actively develop the CILO skills. Participation also allows instructors and course examiners to evaluate a student's response to materials covered in the course. Meaningful participation is encouraged and will count towards a student's A1 assessment task in this course.

AT2 - Mid Semester Assignment:

The mid-semester assignment is 30% of your final course grade. The mid-semester coursework assignment is designed to test your understanding of the course materials and course CILOs at a particular point in time during the course. The mid-semester assignment will be discussed and distributed within Week 2 of the semester and is due by Week 10 of the semester.

Failure to submit coursework on time will result in penalties for late submission of the assessment tasks as advised by the Course Leader, consistent with the SLW policy on late submission of assessment tasks.

AT 3 - End of Semester Examination

The end of semester examination is 40% of your final course grade. The end of semester examination will occur during the normal examination period for the semester. The end of semester examination will be a 3-hour, open-book examination. You may use any course materials and course notes for the exam. You may not use electronic devices, electronic storage devices, or library books during the examination.

Applicable to students admitted before Semester A 2022/23 or in Semester A 2024/25 & thereafter

(i) A student must obtain a minimum mark of 40% in both coursework and examination and an overall mark of 40% in order to pass a course.

Applicable to students admitted in Semester A 2022/23 to Summer Term 2024

(i) A student must obtain a minimum mark of 50% in both coursework and examination and an overall mark of 50% in order to pass a course.