COEX Curriculum
The curriculum of the Master's 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.
The program involves an academic year in residence studying at Brandeis (September to 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.
A second core course on Strategies for Coexistence Interventions addresses what can practically be done about such conflicts through structural, mediative, cultural, legislative, political and developmental approaches to successful coexistence work.
A third core course (module) includes Coexistence Research Methods, which helps students design, implement and document their master's field project.
A fourth, and last, core class (module) - Introduction to Design, Monitoring and Evaluation of Coexistence Interventions - will give students a conflict-lens into Monitoring and Evaluation and project design regarding the conflict transformation field.
At least two core electives must be taken at Heller through our courses taught by our holistic faculty in various subject areas. These courses will be offered throughout the year in both Module 1 and 2.
At least two electives must also be taken from any of the programs available at Brandeis that are appropriate to the student's career focus. These include courses in international politics, social psychology, sociology, human rights, and anthropology. If it is 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.
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, the European Community and key United Nations agencies.
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 (2.5 courses)
- Core 1: Coexistence and Conflict Theory and Analysis
- Core 2: Strategies for Coexistence Interventions
- Core 3: Coexistence Research Methods (module)
- Core 4: Introduction to Design, Monitoring and Evaluation of Coexistence Interventions (module)
Required Core Electives (at least two courses)
-
Core 5: Choose at least two of the following courses:
- Dialogue and Mediation Skills*
- Development, Aid and Coexistence (Module 1 and 2)
- The Future of Diversity Work
- Environment and Conflict
- Religious Identity and Conflict
- Socio-psychological Foundations of Intractable Conflicts (Module 2)
- Managing Ethnic Conflict
- Conflict and Peacemaking in the Middle East
- Responsible Negotiation (The Fundamentals [1] & Advanced [2])**
*The elective "Dialogue and Mediation Skills" is strongly recommended for those who have not already undertaken an equivalent theory and skills course.
**Please note Advanced can only be taken by those who have taken The Fundamentals.
Elective Courses (two courses)
Students will choose up to two electives from a preapproved 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 a 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 participant's home organization. For examples of previous projects, please click here.
