Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC2116: South Asian Conflict Studies

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

This module aims to enable you:

-       To understand contemporary theory about conflict, and how to apply it to compare contemporary empirical case studies

-       To conduct substantive, independent research

-       To communicate this research through verbal and written presentation

-       To critically employ theoretical knowledge to conduct empirical comparison

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate competent knowledge about conflict theory applied to empirical cases in South Asia.
2. Demonstrate a good understanding of debates about the nature of conflict and how to address it
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Assimilate taught materials and utilize them to critically analyse and evaluate conflict case studies
4. Demonstrate knowledge of major political theories and understandings of how to apply them to empirical case studies
5. Synthesise a range of literatures
Personal and Key Skills6. Research and write analytically
7. Communicate complex arguments effectively through written submissions intended for a range of audiences
8. Communicate complex empirical and theoretical insight through class debate

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Basic reading:

Dietrich, W., 2015.  Elicitive conflict mapping. Springer Fachmedien.

GOODHAND, J., KORF, B. and SPENCER, J. (2011). Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka. London: Routledge.

MACGINTY, R. (2010). Hybrid peace: The interaction between top-down and bottom-up peace. Security Dialogue. 41. p. 391-412.

RAMSBOTHAM et al, ‘Contemporary Conflict Resolution’

RICHMOND, O (2011), A Post Liberal Peace, Routledge

SPENCER, J. (1990a). Sri Lanka, history, and the roots of conflict. London: Routledge.

SPENCER, J. (2007). Anthropology, politics and the state: democracy and violence in South Asia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

THIRANAGAMA, S. (2011). In my mother’s house: Civil war in Sri Lanka. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

VENUGOPAL, R. (2009). The making of the Sri Lankan post-conflict economic package and the failure of the 2001–4 peace process. Oxford: CRISE. Working Paper 64.

WALKER, R. (2010). Violence, the everyday and the question of the ordinary. Contemporary South Asia. 18 (1). p. 9–24.