Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum of the M.A. Program in Coexistence and Conflict ensures that participants will secure a solid grounding in the theories of contemporary coexistence and conflict work, as well as develop the professional skills to design and implement successful interventions to deal with the challenges of such conflicts. The Program uses a competencies approach to the curriculum.
"When I go back to my job, I will be able to use these concepts to address issues that affect my country such as equality, human rights and economic policies to create better interventions" Graduate '07
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The program involves an academic year-in-residence studying at Brandeis (September-May), followed by a three-month field placement and the completion of a Master's Field Project by December.
The curriculum starts by looking at existing and developing Coexistence and Conflict Theory and Analysis. Participants reflect upon the different kinds of ethnic, religious, cultural, and social conflicts that have emerged around the world, particularly since the end of the Cold War; the reasons for such emergence; and the likelihood of their continuance. They also look at the theories of contemporary intercommunal conflict and the varying analytic approaches to such conflict.
"Everything that we learnt was tremendously useful. One of the greatest strengths of the program is the ability to put a theory with the ‘common sense’ practices many of us have known" Graduate '07
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A second core course on Strategies for Coexistence Interventions addresses what practically can be done about such conflicts through structural, mediative, cultural, legislative, political, and developmental approaches to successful coexistence work.
A third core course (1/2 course) includes Coexistence Research Methods which helps students design, implement and document their Master's Field Project.
For a fourth and fifth core course, participants will choose two courses from the following list: Managing Ethnic Conflict, which focuses on a wide variety of current conflict case studies, and examines the strategies that are being effected to resolve them; Dialogue and Mediation Skills, will help them to facilitate discussions in conflict situations, and in designing program interventions, including mediation, that can mitigate and resolve intercommunal tensions (this course is required for those who do not previously have experience in this area.); Development, Aid and Coexistence (Part 1 and Part 2) and The Future of Diversity Work.
I have enjoyed learning about mediation and how mediation plays an important role in conflict and which approaches can be used in different situations &now I have a fuller understanding of mediation which impacts me as I think about my job back home." Graduate '07
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At least two electives from any of the Programs available at Brandeis that are appropriate to their career focus. These include courses in international politics, social psychology, sociology, human rights, anthropology, and a specially designed course entitled "The Arts of Building Peace". If relevant to their fieldwork or career, participants may also choose a language course. Students may also enroll in relevant courses from some of the many universities in the Boston and Cambridge areas.
"I particularly liked the monitoring and evaluation materials – something that has been completely missing from my experience" Graduate '07
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In the spring term, there is also a student trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City. This three-day trip allows students to meet with representatives of key international agencies such as the World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Community, as well as key UN agencies such as UNDPA and UNHCR
Following the completion of their studies at Brandeis, students complete a Master's field project, designed to test and enhance their skills in the field, and to increase their networking and partnership capacity in designing coexistence interventions.
Required Core Courses (2 1/2 courses)
Required Core Electives (2 courses)
- Core 4: Choose 2 of the following courses:
*The elective Dialogue and Mediation Skills is strongly suggested for those who have not already undertaken an equivalent theory and skills course.
Elective Courses (2 courses)
Students will choose up to two electives from a pre-approved list and/or other relevant courses with permission of the director.
For elective possibilities, please consult the Brandeis Bulletin.
Master's Field Project
A Master's field project consisting of either an internship or independent fieldwork, with concluding paper written under the supervision of a faculty mentor, is required. These projects can be undertaken in any part of the world, or in partnership with the participants home organization. For examples of current and previous projects, please click here.
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