Honours B.A. with Major in Conflict Studies

Introduction to the philosophy of science. Research Ethics. Development of research projects: questions, hypotheses, variables, data and analysis. Textual and qualitative research methods: bibliographic research, historical research, interviews, case studies, and observation. Problems related to the study of ethnic and religious conflicts.

Prerequisite or concomitant: ECS 2191.

Preparation of comparative and quantitative research projects. Use of data sets, surveys and polls. Statistical analysis: correlation, regression analysis, trends, statistical inference. Examples taken from the study of ethnic and religious conflicts.

Prerequisite or concomitant: ECS 2191.

A multidisciplinary introduction to research in the evolving field of peace and conflict studies, with emphasis on ethnic and religious conflict. Cases are drawn from local to global levels. Includes anthropology, sociology, psychology, history, political science, law, labour relations, theology, philosophy, gender studies and security studies.

This course consists of two components: (1) the examination of the variable linkages between inequality (economic, social, political), injustice, and violent conflict; and (2) the examination of efforts to create environments characterized by equality, equity, justice and peace.

Explorations of the political sources of conflict, including power and ideologies. Respective roles of the state, public institutions, parties, and interest groups in conflicts. Management and resolution of conflicts in different political regimes.

Theory and practice of the listening skills crucial for participating in conflict resolution processes. Development of synthesis, reframing, and appropriate responses to difficult situations. Attention to non verbal communication, emotions, and communication styles. Exploration of some of cultural differences in communication. A minimum of ten laboratory hours will be required in this course.

Internship in a reputed institution for a minimum of 150 working hours. Graded S/NS.
Prerequisites: 24 ECS credits and a cumulative grade point average of B+.

A multidisciplinary examination of trauma: Disruption of responsive mechanisms. Decision making in crises. Contributing factors affecting the impact of trauma. Conflict and psychological transformation.
Prerequisites: PSY1101 and PSY1102 or IPA1121 and IPA1122.

Introduction to the resolution of conflicts related to labour relations and policy differences in large organizations, especially in the public sector, with emphasis on ethnic and religious conflict. Roles of employers, workers, unions, third parties, mediation mechanisms, arbitration, and administrative tribunals.

Prerequisites: ECS 2191 and ECS 2192.

This course compares and contrasts different approaches to the pacific resolution of violent conflict, such as peace building, peacemaking, and peace operations. Contribution of religions to peace building. An effort is made to understand when, why, and how such approaches are effective or ineffective for managing and resolving conflicts.

Prerequisites: ECS 2191 and ECS 2192.

Introduction to the intervention toward groups in order to manage and resolve conflicts. Study of group dynamics and underlying behaviours. Review of different approaches to group processes. Exploration of the requirements and abilities for the leadership and facilitation of groups. Case studies. Practical in-class exercises.
Prerequisites : ECS2103, ECS2104.

Initiation to personal support to people involved in conflicts. Presentation of various models of personal and group coaching. Development of some basic abilities in this kind of intervention (including self-awareness, emotional intelligence, active and empathic listening, communication, overcoming resistance, etc.) through simulations and exercises.
Prerequisites: ECS2103, ECS2104.

Prerequisites: ECS2191, ECS2192.

Examination of dialogue as a means of exploring hidden beliefs and the exchange of ideas between participants. Practical exercises that explore the use of dialogue as a means of resolving and transforming conflicts. Training in the use of structured dialogue in professional activities. Specificities of dialogue among ethnic and religious groups.
Prerequisite: ECS2321.

Examination of the many possible causes of conflict and violence such as aggression, instinct, character traits, learned behaviours, socialization, personality disorders, group influences, mob behaviour, and perceptual issues.

Prerequisites: ECS2111, ECS2112, ECS2192, PSY1101 or IPA1121, PSY1102 or IPA1122.

Examination of the many factors affecting conflict and violence including social classes, unequal resource distribution, culture, religion, institutions, decision making. Introduction to game theory in conflict studies.
Prerequisites: ECS2111, ECS2112, ECS2192, ECS2201.

In depth study of particular topics related to conflict studies.

Prerequisites: 51 university credits. Reserved for students registered in Conflict Studies.

Internship in a reputed institution for a minimum of 150 working hours in conflict prevention, management or resolution. Graded S/NS.
Prerequisite: 24 ECS credits and a cumulative grade point average of B+.

Introduction to theoretical approaches in the Humanities and to the methods that are applied to interpret the multiple expressions of human experience, particularly those expressed in important works of art and literature.

Social and ecological challenges facing humanity today, and related issues of social justice. These questions will be examined from a perspective of community building and efforts towards ecological and social transformations for a hopeful future.

Development of abilities to critically read and understand academic works. Focus on formal writing skills: techniques of clear expression and construction of texts, argument development and organization. This course also includes a library laboratory component with focus on research skills, citations, and academic integrity.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives on the First Peoples of Canada, cultural diversity, traditional practices and beliefs, relationship with the environment, changing roles and structures influenced by colonization. Contemporary issues faced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit, including cultural genocide and trauma.