BFS-30004 - Module Specification
School of Social, Political and Global Studies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

The aim of the module is to examine the problems and possibilities of peace operations conducted by the UN. Throughout the Cold War, the UN undertook a small number of traditional peacekeeping missions that helped to bring peace and security to some war torn regions. Most of those missions were small and basically uncontroversial. No ambitious operations could be undertaken politically because Cold War antagonisms prevented the Security Council from approving ambitious interventions. Just after the Cold War ended, there was a huge growth in the number of peacekeeping missions undertaken by the UN. This module is an introduction to the contemporary UN and its role in the maintenance of peace and international security.

The aim of the module is to examine the problems and possibilities of peace operations conducted by the United Nations. This module is designed to provide theoretical analysis as well as case studies in the field of peace operations and sustaining peace. In addition, the module aims to encourage students to actively engage in the discussions about peacekeeping and peace building operations. The module offers a better understanding and analysis of current peace operations, their historical development, the actors involved, and the scholarly debates pertaining to this issue.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Provide an overview of the range and scope of peacekeeping operations in the recent period: 1
Explain the need for peacekeeping operations and analyse debates about their nature, desirable scope and achievements: 1
To communicate specialised knowledge effectively in written and oral forms: 1
To present scholarly debate clearly to a professional audience: 1

Study hours

30 contact hours (15 hrs lectures + 10 hrs seminars + 5 hrs one-to-one with the tutor)
20 hours lecture and seminar preparation
20 hours independent study essay preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment