This is an introductory course to peace and conflict studies. It will provide students with a broad set of theories, analytic tools, and policy mechanisms for understanding and acting on issues of peace and conflict.
The lecture ‘Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies’ will examine some of the key concepts of and theoretical approaches to peace and conflict. It will commence in part one by considering the developments of the discipline and reflecting on the seemingly straightforward term such as “peace” and “conflict”. Part two will turn to different makro-theoretical explanations for peace and conflict in situations of social interaction. This will include approaches which examine the role of power, institutions, democracy, culture, language, gender, post-colonialism and the environment in peace and conflict. The final session will debate the connections between pop-culture and conflict by examining the use of art as a means of addressing conflict. The lecture will be supplemented by a tutorial which will discuss some of the theoretical foundations and apply some of the theories to empirical examples.
Prof. Dr. Alexander Spencer
Find more information in the pdf course description
Preconditions for participation:
1. At least 30 ECTS in the social sciences.
Registration for this course:
1. Fill out the form in the sign-up-button below
Since this is an ECTS course from Magdeburg University, your application will be forwarded and you will get all relevant information from the lecturer. Your registration is successful, when you get a confirmation email.
Registration deadline: October 12, 2025
registration open
