Course content

The course provides an overview of the most important theories and empirical studies on the causes and consequenses of political unrest, internal armed conflicts and interstate wars.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have knowledge about the terms, theories and empirical research concerning the causes and consequenses of armed conflicts
• have knowledge of central trends concerning armed conflicts and important explanations
• have knowledge of current data within peace and conflict research

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• treat one of the topics covered in the course in an independent analytical text (comparative analysis, syntheses, replication) which fulfills the requirements for scientific writing
• orally discuss and reflect over one's own written work and topics covered in the lectures

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/group discussions, 4 hours per week throughout the semester. Supervision of the term paper takes place mainly as a part of the seminars. If 6 or fewer students attend the course the two first weeks of teaching, the course will be offered as an individual study course with supervision. Please contact the departement for further information.

Compulsory assignments

• Give prepared comments on another student's term paper
• Presentation of outline and first draft of the term paper

Recommended previous knowledge

SOS3003 or SOS3005. The readings mostly consist of quantitative empirical studies, so having knowledge of advanced statistical analysis is an advantage. See also formal requirements.

Required previous knowledge

60 credits including SOS1002 or an equivalent course in research methods. The requirement must be fulfilled to be admitted to the course.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions