ISSSV4855 – Peace Research

The course provides a general introduction to this interdisciplinary field with an empirical focus. This is combined with more detailed study of selected areas and themes.

Key topics include:

• Causes and consequences of armed conflict
• Conflict resolution
• Gender, identity and human rights
• Humanitarian intervention
• Peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts

The conflict resolution segment builds on lectures on specific peace processes and negotiations, and also the ethical dilemmas of attempting to intervene in conflicts.

The content varies from year to year according to current conflict areas and/or the special expertise of the course leader(s).

Since 1969, the Peace Research course has been offered at the International Summer School, with PRIO researchers responsible for its teaching and curriculum from the outset and to this day.

If you would like to take this course, you must apply directly to the International Summer School.

Only students admitted to the course may take part in instruction.

Most applicants must have at least a completed Bachelor’s degree or a period of study comparable with a Norwegian Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution. Read more about the minimum academic requirements.

Applicants should have a related degree in social sciences, humanities, law and/or peace an conflict studies studies.

The course consists of lectures, 3 hours daily, Monday to Friday, for four weeks. Classroom sessions include lectures, group work, presentations and discussions. A visit to the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) is included.

Active participation throughout the course is expected of the students, and attendance during realtime lectures, seminars and discussions is required. The parts of the course based on recorded materials can be accessed by the students at any time. Students must attend a minimum of 75% of the lectures in order to take the final exam

The course includes preparatory activities and a final written exam. Preparatory activities tentatively include attendance, active class participation, group work, and a presentation, and will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. The final written exam lasts for 3 hours and counts for 100% of the total grade.

Only candidates who passed the preparatory activities are permitted to take the final exam.