Module SGIA48815: Contemporary Challenges in United Nations Peacekeeping

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA48815: Contemporary Challenges in United Nations Peacekeeping

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To explain the evolution of peacekeeping and the principles underpinning United Nations Peacekeeping from legal, political and military perspectives.
• To explore the theory and practice of United Nations peacekeeping based on current operations.
• To analyse current challenges facing United Nations Peacekeeping and the factors which impact the success of a peacekeeping mission.

Content

• Peacekeeping is one of the most visible and high-profile tools used by the United Nations to support transitions from conflict to peace and to respond to threats to international peace and security. The module considers both theory and practice of peacekeeping situating them within the current contexts in which peacekeepers are deployed.
• This module will
• Explore the evolution of United Nations peacekeeping,
• Analyse current debates about the role and effectiveness of peacekeeping and
• Examine challenges faced by UN peacekeeping missions at the strategic, operational and tactical levels.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have:
• An advanced knowledge of both the theory and practical realities of United Nations peacekeeping and its role in the maintenance of international peace and security.
• An advanced knowledge of current issues and challenges facing United Nations peacekeeping.

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• Use specialised skills to support production of detailed and accurate analysis of topics covered in the module.
• To effectively use problem-solving and critical analysis skills to address practical issues relating to international interventions in conflict-affected states.

• By the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate independent thinking when critically analysing existing scholarship and approaches.
• Demonstrate the ability to formulate complex arguments and communicate them effectively.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This module will be delivered in workshop style that will be participatory, interactive and include both theory and practice. During the module students will be given mini-lectures and briefings and will be expected to make presentations, participate in small group work and activities including scenario-based exercises to enhance students’ application of knowledge, exploring how problem solving and critical analysis skills can be applied effectively.
• Summative assessments will include a pre-course written assignment and a post-course written assignment based on the themes discussed during the course. The pre-course written assignment is designed to provide students with a focused task to prepare them, through self-guided learning, for the course’s discussions as well as interactive activities.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

The course will be heavily interactive and will include student presentations and discussions, practical exercises and role play based on case-studies and scenarios. Students will be given ongoing feedback on these exercises and will have the opportunity to seek clarification and ask further questions on the material arising from these activities throughout the course.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.