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Combining the Theory and Practice of Peace and Conflict Studies through an Experiential Conflict Analysis Activity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 May 2021

Amanda Blewitt
Affiliation:
New York University
Christine Choi
Affiliation:
Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack
Elisabeth King
Affiliation:
New York University
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Abstract

How can political science classes best prepare undergraduate students for the field of peace and conflict studies (PACS)? We argue that well-designed experiential learning activities provide opportunities for students to embrace complexity and practice adaptability, fusing the theoretical and practical in ways that prepare them to engage in PACS. This article presents one such experiential learning approach: a conflict analysis activity. Through engaging in a messy learning process, students (1) gain an increased theoretical understanding of the complexity of conflict, (2) practice adaptability, and (3) increase their self-efficacy. We provide a step-by-step description of the Conflict Analysis Tool exercise and reflect on how well the activity enables the use of knowledge and skills relevant for PACS. Our goal is that the insights gained through our approach will be helpful to other educators—from PACS to international relations to American politics and beyond.

Information

Type
Article
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the American Political Science Association
Figure 0

Figure 1Examples of Conflict Analysis ToolsNote: Reprinted (in anonymized form) with students’ permissions.

Figure 1

Table 1Results of Student Survey

Supplementary material: PDF

Blewitt et al. supplementary material

Blewitt et al. supplementary material

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