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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 Open the ORCID record for Amanda Blewitt [Opens in a new window] ,
Christine Choi Open the ORCID record for Christine Choi [Opens in a new window]  and
Elisabeth King Open the ORCID record for Elisabeth King [Opens in a new window]
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.

Type
Article
Information
PS: Political Science & Politics , Volume 54 , Issue 4 , October 2021 , pp. 744 - 749
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the American Political Science Association

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