Peace & Conflict Studies

Community Conflict Impact On Children
(formerly The Cost of the Troubles Study)
After the ceasefires from 1994 on, a group of people from all sections of the population in Northern Ireland who had direct experience of being bereaved or injured in the Troubles were brought together to discuss their contribution to the new political situation. This group formed 'The Cost of the Troubles Study' and in partnership with academic researchers, a study of the effects of the Troubles on the population was planned and initiated. A three-part research strategy was employed. Phase one produced a mapping of all deaths that have taken place due to the Troubles (3,651 deaths) with considerable detail. Phase one also identified self-help groups established by people affected by the violence of the Troubles. Phase two involved collecting the human story of how the Troubles have damaged homes, families and communities, the resulting exhibition is currently touring Northern Ireland, Dublin and the UK. The final phase of the work consisted of the conduct and analysis of a large survey of Northern Ireland to establish the prevalence of emotional and physical effects of violence and to identify the needs of those affected.

The Cost of the Troubles Study has now finished the three-year research and a new project with a new Board of Directors has been established, called 'Community Conflict - Impact on Children' (CCIC) and will specifically document the effects of the Troubles on children and young people. Findings will be published. Meanwhile the list of the six Cost of the Troubles Study publications is available on request (4 published by INCORE, 2 by Pluto Press). Community Conflict Impact on Children/CCIC, Unit 14 North City Business Centre, 2 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast BT15 2GG. Tel. 01232 - 742682, Fax 356654.

E-mail: cicc@incore.ulst.ac.uk

INCORE: Initiative on Conflict Resolution and Ethnicity
INCORE is a joint initiative of the University of Ulster and the United Nations University. INCORE undertakes, commissions and supervises research of a multidisciplinary nature relevant to its goals. The Research unit also runs the Ethnic Studies Network (ESN) which is an international network of over 500 academics, students and researchers in the field of ethnic conflict; the ESN produces two bulletins a year and organises a biennial conference. The Ethnic Conflict Research Digest produced by the Research Unit provides a summary of most of the information available on ethnic conflict research. Current areas of research include; a detailed comparative study of peace processes around the world, the methodology of researching in violent societies, legal approaches to human rights, mixed marriages, political leadership, the implementation of policy in societies in transition, and political motivations for peace keeping.

Since the field of ethnic conflict is relatively new, it suffers from gaps between theory, practice and policy. INCORE has set up a Policy and Evaluation Unit to ensure that what is learned from research and practice is incorporated in policy and programmes. This unit undertakes seminars, training and other work with policy-makers, diplomats, governmental, international organisations and NGOs. The Conflict Data Service is an International information WWW Service on Conflict Resolution and Ethnicity, collaborating closely with the CAIN project which is specific to Northern Ireland. Based on the Internet, both sites are widely used. For further information about INCORE and CAIN; INCORE, Aberfoyle House, Northland Road, Derry (Londonderry) BT48 7JA. Tel. 01504 375500, Fax. 375510.
E-mail: Cathy@incore.ulst.ac.uk
Web site: http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk

Irish School Of Ecumenics; International Peace Studies
The MPhil programme in International Peace Studies is taught at the Milltown (Dublin) campus of the Irish School of Ecumenics and validated by Trinity College Dublin. A particular aim of the programme is to integrate the political and development aspects of Peace Studies and to address the wider ethical and philosophical questions which arise. Studies are based on continuous assessment through essays and a dissertation; three essays on each of the core subjects (International Politics, Social Science and Social Ethics, Politics and Development) a fourth choice within a range of nine optional courses which include Ethics in International Affairs, Gender, Conflict and Social Change, Conflict in Northern Ireland, Conflict Resolution and Non-violence, Human Rights and International Law. Only 30 - 35 students are accepted each year, selected to balance a wide range of nationalities and cultural backgrounds, gender, age and creed. For further information, contact; ISE, Milltown Park, Dublin 6, Tel. 01 260 1144, Fax. 260 1158.
E-mail: tcdpeace@indigo.ie
Website: http://indigo.ie/~tcdpeace

Centre For Peace and Development Studies, Limerick
The Centre for Peace and Development Studies is a research centre of the Department of Government and Society, University of Limerick. It was established in 1994 and currently has five full-time doctoral students involved in conflict studies. It works closely, and often jointly, with the Centre for the Study of Conflict at the University of Ulster. It also contributes to CAIN (Conflict Archive on the Internet) which is located within INCORE. The aim of the Centre is to provide research evidence concerning conflict and its resolution, both in Ireland and other countries throughout the world, which will contribute to an understanding of how conflicts develop and how they may be most effectively resolved. The Centre also offers a one-year, full-time Masters Degree in Peace and Development Studies at the University of Limerick; a prime responsibility of the course is to provide individuals with expertise in peacebuilding and development issues and to provide objective, informed and committed personnel to contribute effectively in these areas at a professional level. The course is designed for those seeking careers in government agencies, aid organisations, community renewal and development, media, research. For further information, including publications of the Centre, please contact Professor Dominic Murray, Director, Centre for Peace and Development Studies, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick. Tel. 061 - 202633, Fax. 202952.
E-mail: tracey.gleeson@ul.ie
Website http://www.ul.ie/~ipirc/

Peace And Conflict Studies At Magee College, University of Ulster
The University of Ulster offers two well-established courses on Peace and Conflict Studies at Magee College. The BA programme is a three year course that examines issues relating to peace and conflict from a number of academic disciplines. In the first year students study modules that will introduce them to peace and conflict research, political theory, international history, international politics, international economics and research methods. In the second year students take modules on the Northern Ireland conflict, racial and ethnic conflict, morality and conflict, Ireland and Europe, computer methods, and international conflict. In their final year students write a dissertation and can choose from a range of modules that include women and ethnicity, conflict resolution, ethnic conflict, terrorism, politics of divided societies, human and political rights, development and change in the third world, the international politics of SE Asia, and nationalism and political change in the former Soviet Union.

The postgraduate Diploma/MA is made up of two semesters of taught modules covering concepts and methods in peace and conflict research, divided societies, the Northern Ireland conflict and international conflict and cooperation. Students then write a 12,000 word dissertation on an approved topic. The MA course also includes a training element facilitated by INCORE, a visiting speakers programme and field trips. For more information about the BA course contact Stephen Ryan (01504 - 371371); for more information about the Diploma/MA contact Professor Paul Arthur (01504 - 371371). Peace and Conflict Studies, Magee College, Londonderry BT48 7JL.

Moving Beyond Sectarianism Project, Irish School of Ecumenics
Moving Beyond Sectarianism, a research project of the Irish School of Ecumenics, has been running since 1995. In its first phase (Jan '95 - June '98), MBS personnel Cecelia Clegg and Joseph Liechty were assigned to analyse the causes, dynamics, and consequences of sectarianism in Northern Ireland and then to develop ways of moving beyond sectarianism. Basic methodologies included interviews, research in relevant literature, developing a form of group work designed to address sectarianism, and leading workshops for a wide range of groups. Since July 1998, a second phase has shifted the emphasis toward dissemination of findings, through preparing a publication (forthcoming), continuing workshops, training of facilitators to address sectarianism effectively, and delivering and developing material for courses on sectarianism, principally in seminaries and teacher training institutions. The primary, though not exclusive, focus of MBS has been on the role of the Christian churches in causing, sustaining, and moving beyond sectarianism. MBS, 48 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast BT9 6AZ, Tel./Fax. 01232- 382750.
E-mail: ecumenics@irishschool.demon.co.uk

Saor-Ollscoil na hEireann
Saor-Ollscoil na Eireann (Free Univeristy of Ireland) offers a Peace Studies programme covering the philosophy of peace, the science of conflict, case studies, the study of genocide and the peace and world order system. Co-ordinator of the programme is Dr Sean English and lecturers are Mary O'Callaghan, John Cullen, Elizabeth Cleary, and Hilda Mac Lochlainn. No academic qualifications are required for entry and degrees are awarded on credits and a major thesis; all students must be over 20 years old The University if an independent free establishment not in receipt of state funding. Details; Saor-Ollscoil na hEireann, 55 Prussia Street, Dublin 7. Tel: 01-868-3368.