The student is familiar with contemporary debate on cultures, civilisations and their role of conflicts. The student understands the basic concepts and thus can independently analyse the different approaches and overcome the main stereotypical simplifications in this domain.

During the last quarter of a century, when conflicts between states have been decreasing, there have been attempts to present cultures and civilisations as dividing features which could be origins of tensions and conflicts. This course will approach these questions by studying the possible role cultures and civilisations might have in peace and conflicts. The main thesis of the course is that cultures and civilisations are not actors themselves, but that they are used, often politically, by different partners in conflicts. Several cases are studied in the lecture in order to explicate how cultures are used in conflicts.

Max. 24 students. Priority is given to PEACE students but some places are available for exchange students. Pre-enrolment by December 20 by email (outi.tomperi (a) uta.fi).

Participation in lectures and seminar, plus essay, all including selected literature.

Reading list will be announced at the beginning of the course.