International Conflict Studies

Course detail Description

Our MA course provides you with a critical, indepth and nuanced understanding of international conflict. It aims to combine theory and practice, providing advanced engagement with the theoretical and philosophical aspects of the subject as well as training in the investigation and analysis of specific cases of conflict and insecurity associated with conflict. It enables you to engage critically with the application of social and political theory in developing an understanding of the origins, dynamics and governance of international and transnational conflict and political violence.

You will examine the impact of globalisation on the complexities of present-day conflict; the politics of identity and how it relates to the emergence of violent conflict; the relationship between security, insecurity and the politics of violence at international level; the politics of security and how this relates to human rights and policies surrounding migration; the relationship between language and violent conflict; the place of cultural and gender difference in relation to conflict and peace, as well as the political and ethical implications of the diverse theoretical and methodological approaches in the study of conflict, violence, and security.

Indicative Readings

Claudia Aradau, Jef Huysmans, Andrew Neal and Nadine Voelker (eds) Critical Security Methods: New frameworks for analysis (London: Routledge, 2014).

Ulrich Beck, World at Risk (Cambridge: Polity, 2009).

Judith Butler, Precarious Life: The Power of Mourning and Violence (London: Verso, 2004).

Michel Foucault, Society Must Be Defended (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2004).

Vivienne Jabri, War and the Transformation of Global Politics (Basingstoke: Palgrave 2007).

Vivienne Jabri, The Postcolonial Subject: Claiming Politics/Governing Others in Late Modernity (London: Routledge, 2013).

Mary Kaldor, New and Old Wars (Cambridge: Polity, 2006)

Teaching

You will typically have 2 hours per week over two 10-week terms per 40-credit module, as well as 360 hours of self-study. This can be split into one lecture + one seminar or combinations thereof. For the dissertation module, you will have 12 hours of training workshops and supervision to complement the 588 hours of self-study.

Assessment

• Most 20 to 40-credit modules are assessed through a combination of essays (3,000-6,000 words), presentation, oral vivas, and/or exams.
• The dissertation module assessment will be based on a 80% dissertation assignment (up to 15,000 words) and a dissertation proposal worth 20%.

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Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules, and students on this course take modules totalling 180 credits.

King's College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant courses of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on this course page for updates.

• The Global Governance of Conflict & Security: Theories & Methods (40 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

In addition, you are required to take 80 credits from a wide range of optional modules that may typically include:

• Gender in International Politics & Security (20 credits)
• Human Rights in World of States (20 credits)
• Transdisciplinary approaches to (In)Security (40 credits)
• International Politics of the Middle East (40 credits)
• Propaganda (20 credits)
• Risk & Uncertainty in Global Politics (20 credits)
• Or another of over 50 modules available within the Department of War Studies

If you are taking the part-time course, you are typically required to take the 40-credit taught module and 40 credits of optional modules in Year 1. You will then take a 60-credit dissertation module and 40 credits of optional modules in Year 2.