TY - JOUR
T1 - Combining the theory and practice of peace and conflict studies through an experiential conflict analysis activity
AU - Blewitt, Amanda
AU - Choi, Christine
AU - King, Elisabeth
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
©
PY - 2021/10/18
Y1 - 2021/10/18
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85107386477&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85107386477&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1017/S1049096521000445
DO - 10.1017/S1049096521000445
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85107386477
SN - 1049-0965
VL - 54
SP - 744
EP - 749
JO - PS - Political Science and Politics
JF - PS - Political Science and Politics
IS - 4
ER -