Course Description

Although global trends indicate that interstate wars have declined in recent decades, other forms of violence—such as civil wars, terrorism, communal violence, and humanitarian interventions—have increased in number, intensity, issues, and geographic location. This course is designed to understand the current manifestations of political violence amidst increasingly complex global political dynamics. It is multidisciplinary in nature. In short, it offers a way to understand global politics through the perspective of violence.

The course is also perspective-oriented and emphasizes the importance of comparative studies. Broadly, the course is divided into three components: (1) A theoretical foundation for understanding the global context of the various facets of current political violence; (2) Competing perspectives on various forms of political violence; and (3) A discussion of comparative studies of political violence.”

Expected Learning Outcome

1. Explain the complex circumstances and manifestations of violence in contemporary global politics.
2. Explain the various conflicting perspectives and forms of violence studied.
3. Develop a critical analysis of contemporary violence and global politics through case studies.
4. Present a study of political violence in oral and written form.

Syllabus

Read the full syllabus here.