Political Science

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

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Module Code: POU44414

Module Name: Topics in Political Science 10: Topics in Political Science 10: Gender, Peace and Conflict 2025-26

ECTS Weighting: 5
Semester/Term Taught: Semester 2
Contact Hours:
Module Personnel: Lecturer - Heidi Riley

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be equipped to:

Demonstrate a critical analysis of current theoretical debates and concepts in the field of peace and conflict studies.
Understand the value of incorporating a gendered and human rights lens to the study of peace and conflict.
Demonstrate a broad understanding of direct, indirect or unseen consequences of war.
Critically evaluate the interconnection between gender, violence, war and peace.
Critically evaluate the relationship between conflict, post-conflict and insecurity.
Apply a gendered lens to various themes related to conflict and post-conflict transition.
Identify case studies that illustrate the arguments and debates covered in a feminist approach to peace and conflict studies.

Module learning aims

This module will provide students with a robust insight into the study of peace and conflict from a gendered and human rights perspective. This includes exploring the relationship between gender, war, militarism, violence and peace from the position of theory and practice. The module equips students to use a gendered and rights-based lens to critically examine gaps in mainstream approaches to peace and conflict studies

Module content

This module will familiarise students with relevant concepts and theories of peace and conflict studies, approaching the field from both a feminist and human rights perspective. To do this the module critically examines dominant approaches to conflict and conflict-resolution from a gender perspective and highlights what is often missed in mainstream approaches. We cover a diversity of topics throughout the course, including enquiry into the underlying causes of conflict, insurgency, conflict induced migration, the gendered impact of conflict (from a physical and structural angle), insurgency, peace processes, DDR and transitional justice. Key topics and debates are illustrated with case study analysis.