| Unit name | Peace and Conflict Psychology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUC30028 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Williams |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Introduction to Psychology in Education |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit aims to provide students with the knowledge to critically evaluate psychology’s contribution to understanding and improving intergroup relations. Throughout the course, students will engage with theories and empirical research which will be applied to understanding the psychological mechanisms which underlie peace and conflict and the role of education in peacebuilding. The unit will focus on psychology’s contribution to addressing questions such as:
The unit will begin by outlining what peace psychology is, and will then move on to the causes of violence and conflict. The latter half of the unit will address interventions and attempts to achieve resolution, reconciliation and social justice through education and beyond. The unit will consider theories and empirical research from the fields of social, political and peace psychology. It will use these theories and empirical research to address important societal issues.
Upon successful completion of the programmes students will:
This unit will consist of weekly lectures, class discussions and presentation-focused seminars. Each week, the taught session will introduce a new topic whilst seminars will focus on the presentation and discussion of papers related to the weekly topic. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis.
ILO 1,4, 5 : Critical analysis (50%)
Each student will be required to deliver one 15 minute individual presentation critiquing a paper. They will also be asked to submit a 1000 word written critical appraisal of the paper they present.
ILO 1-5 : Essay (50%)
Students will be asked to write a 2000 word piece on how psychological research and theories can be applied to understanding peace and conflict in a context of their choice.
Christie, D. J., Wagner, R. V., & Winter, D. D. (Eds) (2001). Peace, Conflict, and Violence: Peace psychology for the 21st century. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. http://academic.marion.ohio-state.edu/dchristie/Peace%20Psychology%20Book.html.
Weekly session readings will be relevant journal articles. These will be updated based on new releases but will include papers such as:
Fiske, S. (2002). What We Know About Bias and Conflict, The Problem of the Century. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 11, 123-128.
Hewstone, M., Rubin, M., & Willis, H. (2002). Intergroup bias. Annual Review of Psychology,53, 575-604.
Paluck, E. L., & Green, D. P. (2009). Prejudice Reduction: What Works? A Review and Assessment of Research and Practice. Annual Review of Psychology,, 60, 339-367.
van Zomeren, M., Postmes, T & Spears, R. (2008). Toward an Integrative Social Identity Model of Collective Action: A Quantitative Research Synthesis of Three Socio-Psychological Perspectives. Psychological Bulletin, 134, 504–535.
