PECOS4110 - International Negotiations/Conflict Resolution
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Course content
The main aim of this course is to give an introduction to international negotiations as one mechanism for conflict resolution. Emphasis is given to an enhanced understanding of negotiation behaviour, the nature of the negotiation process, and negotiation outcomes, as well as the relationship between behaviour, process and outcome.
In addition to a general introduction to some basic theoretical concepts, the course is thematically divided in three main parts. The first part presents theoretical insight in key factors and mechanisms linked to negotiation dynamics, with a main focus on the role of concessions and concession behaviour, negotiation tactics, and power aspects. The second part discusses key factors and mechanisms linked to negotiation deadlock and mediation, with a main focus on the development of conflict diagnoses, the role and acceptance of mediators and other third parties, and mediator strategies both to develop negotiated agreements and to ensure their implementation. The third part of the course will introduce you to power-sharing measures and federalism as examples of substantive solutions to intra-state conflicts and some basic features of international peace operations, including international transitional administrations.
Learning outcomes
This course has four objectives:
- Firstly, the course will develop your understanding of the possibilities and limitations of negotiation and mediation as conflict resolution mechanisms and develop your ability to analyse historical or contemporary cases which involve negotiations and/or mediation.
- Secondly, the course will familiarise you with how selected constitutional changes can contribute towards conflict resolution, as well as familiarise you with some basic features of international peace operations and how these operations have changed over time.
- Thirdly, the course will provide you with an insight into selected historical and contemporary peace negotiation processes, with an emphasis on processes in which Norway has been involved.
- Fourthly, the course will develop your ability to give an oral presentation of a relevant topic in a lucid, systematic and instructive manner.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in StudentWeb.
Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
It is not possible to sit for this exam as a private candidate. Only students with admission to classes in this course may sit for this exam.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisites
Bachelor/cand. mag degree in Arts or Social Science.
Recommended prior knowledge
Knowledge of research methods.
Teaching
The course will comprise a series of 10 lectures, each lasting 2 x 45 minutes, a seminar, and a simulation exercise. The central themes and issues will be presented and discussed at the lectures. The purpose of the seminar is to gain knowledge of historical and ongoing peace negotiations through meeting people who have first-hand experience of such negotiations. The purpose of the simulation exercise is to give participants an opportunity to try out models and theories from the course in an imaginary conflict situation. The students will work together in small groups.
More information on the seminar and simulation exercise will be given at the beginning of the semester.
Teaching takes place throughout the semester.
Criteria for access to teaching resources
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, contingent on available capacity.
Exam information
The exam will consist of an invigilated exam of 4 hours’ duration and an oral presentation. The grade for the invigilated exam will count for 75% of the total course grade. The grade for oral presentation will count for 25% of the total course grade.
Approximately 8-10 days prior to the invigilated exam, 5-6 questions (essay topics) will be made available to the students. During the invigilated exam, you will be asked to answer one of these questions. The invigilated exam also includes some shorter questions that will not be available to the students prior to the exam. You may all use available means during your preparations for the invigilated exam, including working closely together with other students, but you cannot bring any notes etc. to the invigilated exam.
The assignment of the oral presentation is to use concepts, models, propositions from the course literature, lectures and seminars to analyse (not merely describe) the case you have selected. Cases will be distributed in due time. You are free to formulate the question(s) to be addressed and to organise your presentation as you find appropriate. In joint presentations both of you will have to contribute actively, and share the time (minimum share ~40 per cent). You have 15 minutes at your disposal, and you are free to use Power Point, blackboard or whiteboard.
In order to pass the course, you have to have a pass grade both for the invigilated exam and for the oral presentation, and your exam and your oral presentation must be passed in the same semester as the course is taught. You will receive one overall grade for the course.
Exam resources
Dictionary, which must be handed in to the Department of Political Science office at least two days before the written exam
Language of examination
English
Assessment and grading
Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .
Explanations and appeals
Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about Justifications and appeals
Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes
You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .
Exam options for students with special needs
Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
Contact us
Department of Political Science
Visiting address:
Eilert Sundts hus, 7th floor, Moltke Moesvei 31, 0851 Oslo
Visiting hours:
Monday to Friday, 12-15
Postal address:
Boks 1097 Blindern
0317 Oslo
E-mail: ekspedisjon@stv.uio.no