Peace and Conflict Studies I

The aim of the course is for the students to acquire a basic understanding of Peace and Conflict Studies and its scientific development as a discipline. In addition, students will gain insights into the key theories and concepts relating to historical and contemporary conflicts. Furthermore, students will obtain an understanding of the role of international law in international armed conflicts, how threats are represented, and organized violence is legitimated. Furthermore, students will obtain an understanding of how threats are represented and organized violence is legitimated.

Contents

The course consists of four modules:

1\. The history of conflicts and the idea of peace (7.5 hp)

This module gives an overview of the history of wars and conflicts as well as the history of ideas related to peace. The module also covers the rise of the contemporary global world order and its consequences.

2\. The foundation of Peace and Conflict Studies (7.5 hp)

This module gives an introduction to the concepts and theories within peace and conflict studies as well as to the development of the discipline. Different experiences of organized violence are addressed.

3\. United Nations in Conflict Management (7.5 hp)

This module gives an overview of the different functions, mechanisms, and conditions of public international law during and after international armed conflicts. The module gives an introduction to the United Nations’ role and challenges as the upholder of international peace and security in the contemporary international system.

4\. Enemy Images (7.5 hp)

This module concerns enemy images and how they can be used to justify war. In addition, the module addresses how they arise and are reproduced. Lastly, the module discusses their consequences and how they can be counteracted.

Syllabus autumn 2025

Earlier syllabuses

Syllabus with literature list autumn 2025

Malmö University provides students who participate in, or who have completed a course, with the opportunity to express their opinions and describe their experiences of the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarise the results of course evaluations. The University will also inform participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures taken in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).