1
PROPOSAL FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A DIPLOMA PROGRAMME IN PEACE STUDIES AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
PRESENTED BY
INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION (IPPA)
UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR – CALABAR
IN COLLABORATION WITH THE
INSTITUTE FOR PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION (IPCR) THE PRESIDENCY,
ABUJA
SUBMITTEDTO
COMMITTEE OF DEANS
UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR
CALABAR
DIPLOMA IN PEACE STUDIES AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
1.INTRODUCTION
We are in a world where the forces of violence, conflict, instability and terrorism are growing beyond measures. The socio-economic and political conditions are sometimes orchestrated to trigger unrest and consequently insecurity traceable to social and economic discontentment. For more than a decade, Nigeria and indeed Nigerians have neither known peace nor can afford peace and security of both lives and properties. This trend is not too good for human and national development.
From the above background, an education programme that provides interdisciplinary approaches for training conflict resolution and peace building professionals in our diverse multi ethnic society overwhelmed by pervasive ethnic, religions, linguistic and cultural diversity is not only advocated for but considered to be very timely. Sustainable peace builders and educators who will teach the values of peace and tolerance in the society are essential in a crises ridden multiethnic Nigeria.
2.VISION STATEMENT
To produce diploma holders who are equip with the capacity, skills and knowledge of promoting peaceful co-existence in the community and society at large.
3.MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the programme is to facilitate the production of seasoned peace makers and peace builders who are knowledgeable in both theoretical and practical means of conflict management and resolution in the society.
4.PHILOSOPHY
The programme philosophy is consistent with the first national philosophy and goal of education which is to produce Nigerians who will live in unity and harmony as one indivisible, indissoluble citizens bounded by the principles of freedom, equity and justice. It is this programme that can sustain these ideals.
5.OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The following are the objectives of the programme:
(a)The production of skilled and competent professional who are equipped with relevant knowledge of conflict resolution and management.
(b)To produce diploma students with sound methodological accuracy as well as practical knowledge of the process of peace studies and conflict management.
(c)To cultivate among future peace educators the virtues of peace which they are supposed to transmit to the younger generation living in a world of violence and conflict.
(d)To develop among prospective peace and conflict managers appropriate communication skills essential for undertaking the process of arbitration, mediation and conciliation.
6.CERTIFICATE AWARDED
At the end of the Programme, the students will be awarded Diploma in Peace Studies and Conflict Management.
7.ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The following categories of candidates are qualified to seek admission:
(i)WASC holders with 4 Credits including English Language in not more than two sittings.
(ii)NECO holders with 4 Credits including English Language in not more than two sittings.
(iii)Teachers Grade II Certificate with Credits Passes in 4 subjects in not more than two sittings.
(iv)Any other equivalent certificate recognized by University of Calabar.
8.DURATION OF PROGRAMME
The duration of the course is two academic sessions of four Semesters.
9.GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To successfully graduate from the programme and be awarded a Diploma in Peace Studies and Conflict management, a student must pass all the prescribed examinations and a written research project.
10.PROGRAMME CONTENTS
FIRST SEMESTER
DPS 101:Introduction to Peace Studies-2
DPS 111:Elements of Conflict Management-2
DPS 121:Introduction to Politics and Social Justice-2
DPS 131:The Ethics of war and Peace-2
DPS 141:Industrial Relations and Management-2
DPS 151:Communication for Middle Level Mgt.-2
DPS 161:Computer Introduction-2
GST 102:Entrepreneurship Theory-2
Credit Hrs = 16
SECOND SEMESTER
DPS 102:Human Rights Studies-2
DPS 112:Religion, Violence and Conflict-2
DPS 122:Peace, Conflict and Development-2
DPS 132:Social Analysis of Conflict Situation-2
DPS 142:Politics and Ethnicity-2
DPS 152:Globalisation-2
DPS 162:Civic Education-2
Credit Hrs = 14
YEAR 2 FIRST SEMESTER
DPS 201:Elements of Peace Education-2
DPS 211:Ethics and Moral Values-2
DPS 221:International Relations and Diplomacy-2
DPS 231:Basic Research Methods-2
DPS 241:Gender Development and Conflict-2
DPS 251:Minority Education-2
DPS 261:Introduction to Public Policy-2
Credit Hrs = 14
SECOND SEMESTER
GST 202:Entrepreneurship Practical-2
DPS 212:Practicum in Peace & Conflict Management-2
DPS 222:Environment, Economy and Development-2
DPS 232:Sustainable Development-2
DPS 242:The Politics of Resources Distribution-2
DPS 252:Global Education-2
DPS 262:Research Project-4
Credit Hrs = 16
Total CreditHrs = 60
COURSE DESCRIPTION
DPS 101-INTRODUCTION TO PEACE STUDIES
This course will introduce students to the relatively new and rapidly evolving field of peace studies and conflict management. Key concepts to be defined and explored include peace, justice and peaceful co-existence, war, security, conflict, power, violence and nonviolence; giving students an overview of themes that will be studied in more depth in other peace studies courses. By the end of the course, students are to gain appreciation of non-violent approaches to conflict management. The concept of peace studies in term of its evolution, scope, characteristics and relevance of peace studies, peace processes, philosophies and theories within the field and current debates and dilemmas are brought to focus. It will also identify the causes, impact, prevention and scope of conflict as well as conflict resolution strategies.
DPS 111:ELEMENTS OF CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
This course is designed to familiarize students with the themes and concepts of conflict management between individuals, organizations and the community levels. It will examine the meaning and structure of conflict as it relates to intra-group, inter-group and organizational level conflict. Major themes in organizational conflict like latent conflict, perceived conflict, felt conflict, manifest conflict and competition for scarce resources would be explored. An insight into the causes of conflict like inadequate communication, lack of shared perceptions and attitudes amongst members at different levels of organization will be examined. The role of conflict, differentiation of goals and collaboration as progenitors of conflict. Conflict resolution using intergroup relations, team work, collective bargaining and collective decision making would also be explored.
DPS 121:INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
The course aims to expose students to the concept of politics as a means of values and resources distribution in the society. Political decisions which are products of politics are meant to create a just, fair and stable society by providing equal opportunities for all citizens in the society to benefit. Most times those in control of the political process compromises all ethical standards and democratic principles that leads to social injustice in their conducts of public affairs. This lead to strong agitations for social justice to be enthrone. The concept of politics, political resources, social justice and their implications on peace-building and conflict management are given serious considerations.
DPS 131 –ETHICS OF WAR AND PEACE
Within the context of global threat of violence, terrorism and pervasive attempts of instability and unrest, there is need to ensure the control of possibility of outbreak of any wars across the world. This course specifically exposes students towards a deeper appreciation of ethical philosophies and theories stimulating war engagement. War being an engagement where world leaders and nations try to asset their superiority and righteousness over their enemies, the course anchors on a long tradition and debate on the expectations of aducing moral justifications for any war or acts of war engagement. The just war theory requires that engagement in war should consider that such is expected to generate condition of lasting Peace. The course investigate into asking basic questions of morality and ethical standards that should guide the conduct of war.
DPS 141:INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
The meaning, environment and management of industrial relations. Industrial relations and employment law, formation of trade unions; membership and structure, employment legislations, collective bargaining legislations; structures and processes, collective agreement. Employment relationship; employees and their associations, collective bargaining and the State. Managing industrial disputes; strikes, lockouts, and dispute resolution. Grievances and grievance procedure: functions, resolution, and prevention in the organization.
DPS 102: HUMAN RIGHTS STUDEIS
The aim of this course is to expose the students to an understanding of the fundamental human rights of citizens in terms of their operationalization and application in the society. Human rights have remained the most easily traceable cause of conflicts and misunderstanding among individuals, groups, communities, states and nations. It is noted that a careful observance of fundamental human rights will go along way in saving mankind from social, economic and political unrest. The contents revolve around a review of the universal declaration of human rights, the genesis of human rights movement, rational for human rights studies, the 1999 Nigerian constitution and human rights as well as elements of human rights.
DPA 112:RELIGION, CONFLICT AND VIOLENT
In contemporary societies, religion plays a significant role and so can be seen as an element of national unity and at the same time as an element of disunity, conflict and most times out-right violent. This course exposes students to appreciation of fundamental elements of religion and its role in building a peaceful, just and harmonious society or otherwise. Concepts like morality, values, ethical principles and non-violent approach should be emphasized as being fundamental in the inculcation of the culture of peace and peaceful co-existence among people.
DPA 122 – PEACE, CONFLICT AND DEVELOPMENT
Conflict is antithetical to peace and development. Development is greatly dependent on the absence of conflict and the sustenance of peace. This course is meant to introduce students to appreciation of the need to have a conflict free society for any development initiative. In the course, attempt will be made to establish the tripartite relationship between peace, conflict and development within and across the globe. To form the curriculum, the concepts of peace and conflict in relation to their role in the functionality and dysfunctionality of the society are considered. The sources and causes of conflict and most time violence will be discussed. The course will note in particular the process of peaceful reconciliation, arbitration and mediation and major agencies involve in peace building and conflict management
DPS 132:SOCIAL ANALYSIS OF CONFLICT SITUATION
The course is designed to foster systematic and analytical thinking about conflict and conflict intervention. It examines the definition of conflict, nature and causes of conflict as well as diverse views of its “resolution.” Explores thinking about human behavior and social systems as they relate to the origin of conflict and the role of conflict in violent and peaceful social change. It identifies appropriate responses to conflict at interpersonal, intergroup, industrial, communal, and international levels. It focuses on forms of conflict analysis and resolution that builds on a meaning-making approach to understanding conflict. Themes that will be covered are positioning theory, narrative mediation, cross-cultural conflict resolution, dialogue, elicitive training reframing and appreciative inquiry.
DPS 142:POLITICS AND ETHNICITY
Politics and ethnicity cannot be discussed in isolation. Both complement each other. The course provides a fundamental understanding of the concept of politics as a human activity that sustain nations’ systems of governance with deep influence on public policies, legitimacy, political parties and pressure groups.
The course focuses on public conduct of political affairs and how allocation of resources in the society is done with ethnic consideration. Students will be exposed to a deeper understanding of the role of ethnicity and the emergence of ethnic politics which has stimulated sharp agitations and the rise of ethnic identity struggling for recognition on the larger politics with greater impact on national unity and development. Issues of politics and resources distribution, and the rise of ethnic nationalities and the struggle for control of political power are discussed.
DPS 152:GLOBALIZATION
The course is meant to X-ray the working of the global system within the context of globalization as a concept which necessitates multiple levels of analysis such as the social cultural and technological among societies. The pervasive and prevailing forces of globalization have impacted on the global system and has compressed both time and space aspects of human relations. This would not have been possible without the instrument of technology. Due to its pervasive impact across, it has become necessary to understand it nature and operation as a phenomenon capable of compromising the sovereignty of nations. The content include: globalization origin, significance, nature and multiple dimensions. The multi-Dimensional nature of globalization. Globalization of Democracy and governance, globalization and culture, globalization and civil society the economic dimension of globalization. The concept of human global security. The dual nature of globalization. The Nigerian political economy and globalization.
DPS 162:CIVIC EDUCATION
The course examines the meaning, objectives and essential components of civic education. Students are exposed to the relationship between civic education and democratic responsibility. The grooming of responsible citizens who will become productive and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the society is the duty every responsible government should claim. For it is strongly upheld that with responsible citizens we can hope of responsible governance. Issues to be discussed include political systems, forms of government, civic duties and responsibilities, constitution among others.
DPS 211 ETHICS AND MORAL VALUES
This course will provide the meaning of ethics, morality and values as well as their similarities and variations. It will capture moral theories and analysis of the moral concepts of what is good and bad, right and wrong behaviour, virtues and vices, the existence or non-existence of moral facts; criteria of moral actions; obligation, and the ways in which they operate at the level of the society, religion, and law. These concepts will be further enhanced in classroom discussions of contemporary moral issues. An intensive exploration of enduring theoretical issues of ethics such as relative and absolute moral laws, subjective and objective components of moral knowledge, the relation of facts in nature to human values, and the place of reason in ethical decisions.
DPS 221: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DIPLOMACY
The global system is one of dependency and interconnection. It is characterized with interactions on issues of common interest that bothers on politics, economy, social and cultural. Both state and non-state actors pursue their individual goals and interests. The pursuit of such goals and interest sometimes threatens the interest and security of other parties. This can lead to conflict and disagreement in the international system.
he course International Relation and Diplomacy is aimed at introducing students to the main issues of contemporary international relations and diplomacy that will promote peaceful co-existence among actors across the globe. The course shall address the following themes: the meaning of international relations and diplomacy, origin and evolution of international relations as a field of study, various theories of international relations such as, idealism/liberalism, modernism/post-modernism. Actors involved in international relations such as state and non-state are considered. Power and the concept of power in international relations. International organizations etc.
DPS 231:BASIC RESEARCH METHODS
The course is design to equip the students with the knowledge and techniques of scientific investigation in social science. An experience in problem identification; types, design; data gathering, and reporting in conflicts resolutions should be emphasized. The use of primary and secondary sources of information, simple statistical treatment, measures of central tendency, simple percentages and measures of dispersion are core element of the curriculum contents.
DPS 241:GENDER, DEVELOPMENT AND CONFLICT
This course is aimed at exploring issues of gender, development and conflict, with case studies from Africa and beyond. The outline syllabus includes concepts of gender and conflict; concepts of development and conflict; political relations which analyze gender as a signifier of power relations, political relations which analyze the relations of power and gender, masculinities and their relationships to structural oppression, dominance, violence directed against women and weak groups, militarism, critique of the approaches to peace as masculine constructs. Feminities and gender specific peace proposals, visions of women as agents instead of victims, the impact of conflict on gender categories.
DPS 251:MINORITY EDUCATION
Minority education provides students with understanding of existence of inequality not just confined to people but group inequality in the society. This perhaps is traceable to differences in race, caste or ethnicity, language, religion among other factors. In todays industrial societies, one common characteristic is inequality either socially, economically or politically. Most often in a multi-ethnic society, inequality could be as a result of a particular deficiency. And so to off-set this deficiency, remedial measures are adopted by way of formal education programmes to bridge the gap created by cultural differences.
Issues to be address include the meaning of minority education, types of minority education, the caste minority system, the caste minority status and education, inequality of educational opportunity and cultural deprivation and compensatory education.
DPS 261 - INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC POLICY
The criticality of Public Policy in governance cannot be ever emphasized. The students will be exposed to the nature of Public Policy and its topologies. The policy process and policy cycleform the contents of this course. An over view of several frameworks, models and approaches to Public Policy and the significance of Public Policy are part of issue of interest.Nigerian’s public policy and decision-making process and environment are emphasized. Focus on specific policy issue in the social, economic and political spheres of Nigeria especially some of the topics of policy initiatives in the countryare considered. The Policy process; formulation, implementation and evaluation are part of the contents of Public Policy issue to be debated upon which will have far reaching implications on Peace building and conflict management