Conflict & Resolution in the 20th and 21st Centuries

Course Overview

Conflict and Resolution in the 20th and 21st Centuries will invite students to explore and evaluate instances of conflict and attempts at resolutions in the contexts of politics, religion, human rights, environmental concerns, and terrorism. This course serves as an option following the successful completion of ancient and modern history classes, where students have had exposure to examples of historical discord, providing basic background on the origins of conflict as well as the eventual need for a global organization to intervene in international conflicts. Course objectives will include the development of research skills and sharing of findings; demonstration of critical thinking skill in writing as well as in class discussions; analysis of primary and secondary sources; and evaluation of conflict resolution strategies used throughout history. Prior to beginning topical units, students will investigate the structure and function of the United Nations. While much of the course will focus on the 20th and 21st century, individual units will each begin with a look at the historical origins and early examples of the conflict of focus. Additionally, each unit will involve research into actual UN cases related to the topic. The course will culminate with a year-end model UN simulation activity.