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Jan
09
2012

London - Amman Summer 2012

FROM:  Dr. Paul Arthur and Dr. Zaid Eyadat
RE: London/Amman: Peace and Conflict Resolution in the Middle East and Beyond, with an Arabic Language Study Extension Option

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited that our first Peace and Conflict Resolution Program in London and Amman last summer was so successful and we are pleased to announce that, this summer, a study tour to Derry, Ireland has been added to the London program. In Amman, student will participate in homestays, and also have the option to study Arabic language at the close of the Peace and Conflict program.

Our London/Amman Peace and Conflict Resolution program explores the theory and practice of conflict resolution and management and its applicability to intractable conflicts like those in the Middle East and beyond. This program, co-sponsored by the Foundation for International Education and AMIDEAST, will divide its time between London and Amman. In the London-based course “Life Cycle of Peace and Conflict: Lessons Learned in Northern Ireland” we evaluate the literature of the field and concentrate on the case study of Northern Ireland as an exemplar of the life cycle of a conflict through the phases of analysis, negotiation and implementation.

In the Amman-based “Conflict Resolution and Management: Beyond The Arab-Israeli Conflict,” we explore peace and conflict resolution in the Middle East. Using the framework developed in London, we examine the role of religion and the clash of cultures; the significance of regional organisations in preventing and resolving conflict; the place of civil society and of political leadership; economic assistance as a generator in peace building; the question (or lack thereof) of gender mainstreaming. We look beyond the Arab-Israeli conflict to other significant regional conflicts involving Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq and to inter-tribal conflict. And, in the process, we conduct a critical enquiry into conflict analysis and resolution.

Our program will provide a rich experience in extracurricular activities, cultural excursions, and in depth analysis of the case studies that will impact participants’ understanding of Arab life and culture, with emphasis on local approaches to conflict.

Grounded in collegiality, reflection and critical analysis, this program of conflict resolution and management will attempt to marry theory and practice by being temporal and spatial, comparative and challenging. Site visits, meetings with leading practitioners in conflict negotiation, meetings with local students, cultural excursions, group discussion and guest lectures will enhance the richness of the experience.

In addition to the Peace and Conflict Resolution program, students can now choose to extend their stay in Amman and undertake intensive Arabic language study. Each student will receive 80 hours of instruction in Modern Standard Arabic in each session, covering the material usually covered in one semester on a U.S. campus. In addition, students receive 20 hours of instruction per session in Jordanian Arabic.

We invite your students – and you – to join us in this unique academic exploration. Please let us know if we might answer any questions.

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul Arthur

Professor of Politics and former Director of the Graduate Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies
University of Ulster

Dr. Zaid Eyadat

Associate Professor of Political Science and the Chairperson of Human Rights and Human Development Department
University of Jordan