Assessment summary for PACS6911

Self-introduction and ideas of peace

In 500 words or so: Post as answer in discussion board on Canvas site.

Worth 5% of total marks

Reflection: The purpose of the reflection assignment is to raise awareness of the issues of peace, conflict and violence as they bear and society as a whole: to make the link between personal learning and lived experience. Use up to 1,500 words.

It should include one or more specific examples of your own lived experience outside the classroom relating to the ideas we have met. With emphasis on reflections and analysis (rather than a detailed description of a particular conflict or experience), the reflection will enable you to show how you are relating the theories explored in the unit to your own world, and vice versa.

Criteria for Assessment:

Show you can explain theoretical approaches from the unit in your own words.
NB no formal referencing is required for this assignment, but you should indicate where the idea came from. For example: "This supports what Johan Galtung says about cultural violence, in his chapter on the subject in the unit readings..."
Clarity of explanation and expression.

Worth 25% of total marks

Final essay:  

Select a key issue of direct, cultural and/or structural violence to analyse using theoretical perspectives and peace-building strategies from this unit. In up to 3,000 words:

1. Select an issue of direct, cultural and/or structural violence for analysis. (For example, the issue might be a particular war or conflict, an issue of discrimination, poverty in a particular country, treatment of asylum seekers, Indigenous issues, domestic violence, bullying in schools, etc.)

2. Using theories from this unit (i.e. not from other courses you’ve done) that help to explain and analyse the issue, explore the nature and context of the issue chosen for your research essay. (For example, the theories of Galtung, Reardon, Lederach, Lynch etc.)

3. Building on the theories used to explain and analyse the issue, identify some possible strategies for change which promote “peace with justice”, linking your ideas to theories and practices of peacemaking, peacebuilding and/or conflict transformation. (For example, such strategies for change could include advocacy, activism, education, social movements, peace journalism, dialogue, nonviolence, feminist approaches, truth commissions, problem-solving workshops etc.)

The focus is on analysis and application of theory to practice, rather than on detailed description of the conflict or its “solution”. In other words, students are not required to promote a particular resolution or terms of a peace settlement or mediation agreement. The purpose is to identify peace with justice processes.

This assignment is to be written in a formal essay style, with an introduction and conclusion, complete in text referencing and a full bibliography at the end of the essay. Some research and reading beyond the prescribed unit of study readings is necessary for this assignment, but the main conceptual underpinnings for your essay must be the theories and concepts explored in this unit.

Criteria for assessment:

• Evidence of research and understanding of the nature and context of the issue chosen for analysis;
• Ability to identify and critically apply theories and concepts relating to peace, conflict and violence to explain and analyse the issue;
• Evidence of creative and intelligent application of theory to practice by exploring one or more strategies for change that promote “peace with justice”;
• Clarity of expression and ability to develop and present a coherent argument within the required word limit (papers exceeding the word limit may be penalised);
• Evidence of reflective and critical reading of appropriate academic sources; Correct and consistent referencing and full bibliography.

Worth 60% of total marks

Seminar participation

Week by week – worth 10% of total marks.

There are no specific work health and safety requirements for this unit.