Course: Conflict Regions of the Contemporary World

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Course title Conflict Regions of the Contemporary World
Course code KGG/QKCRW
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Lesson
Level of course unspecified
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction English
Status of course unspecified
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Šerý Miloslav, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
The course focuses on the geographical analysis of armed conflicts, examining their origins and current state, encompassing both global and regional perspectives. It identifies key problem areas and characteristics, and explores conflict resolution strategies. During the seminars, students write essays and present findings focused on specific conflict regions, addressing the characteristics of the conflicting parties, the stances of the international community, existing resolution strategies, obstacles to resolution, the geographical context, the evolution of the conflict, and relevant data sources.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization)
  • Attendace - 26 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Course Credit - 10 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Exam - 30 hours per semester
  • Homework for Teaching - 14 hours per semester
  • Semestral Work - 70 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to familiarise students with contemporary armed conflicts worldwide, and to introduce them to the fundamental methods of analysing the emergence and evolution of these conflicts.
The students will understand the causes, dynamics, and consequences of contemporary armed conflicts worldwide within a broader geopolitical context. They will acquire key analytical methods, enabling them to independently examine and interpret the emergence and evolution of these flashpoints. Furthermore, they will gain the competencies to critically evaluate available sources and formulate relevant academic conclusions regarding current international security.
Prerequisites
Students are expected to possess a fundamental familiarity with political geography, international relations, and modern global history. Additionally, the ability to comprehend academic literature and a general awareness of current geopolitical affairs are essential.

Assessment methods and criteria
Mark, Seminar Work

Completion of a series of written seminar papers focusing on the analysis of specific aspects of a selected armed conflict. Presentation of particular aspects of the selected armed conflict.
Recommended literature
  • Demmers, J. Theories of violent conflict: An introduction (2nd ed.). 2017.
  • Flint, C. Introduction to geopolitics (4th ed.). 2021.
  • Ramsbotham, O. et al. Contemporary Conflict Resolution. 5th Edition. 2024.
  • Wallensteen, P. Understanding conflict resolution: War, peace and the global system (5th ed.). 2018.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester