University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Mondays 11am-1pm

The module will present a detailed introduction to the processes of transitional justice and peacebuilding in Latin America since the Third Wave of democratisation during the 1980s. The approach taken in the module will be to analyse transitional justice and, ultimately, to contrast the theory and practice of TJ, peacebuilding and postconflict reconstruction. The module will engage with five detailed empirical case studies: Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, El Salvador and Colombia. The module addresses and evaluates key theoretical frameworks relating to TJ, peacebuilding and postwar reconstruction, and will be relevant to students interested in developing a career in public policy and policymaking in national and international institutions.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminar and 2 optional consultation hours

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 272

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr C A Ardila
Module teaching staff: Dr Camilo Ardila
Module coordinator email caaa1@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Critically evaluate key theoretical frameworks and practices of peacekeeping, peacemaking, and peacebuilding
• Assess the dynamics of violence, transitional justice, and post-conflict reconstruction across diverse Latin American contexts
• Analyse the global politics, regional patterns and national specificities in Latin American experiences of conflict and transition
• Examine the interplay between conflict transformation, democratisation, and post-war recovery
• Develop advanced, critical insights into how empirical cases inform broader theoretical debates
• Apply theoretical approaches to case studies, assessing their relevance and limitations