Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - HUM 360 D100

Special Topics: Great Themes in the Humanistic Tradition (4)

Class Number: 4432

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2017
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary study of a selected theme that has made a lasting contribution to the humanistic tradition in more than one field of endeavour(e.g. philosophy, politics, literature,economics, religion). This course may be repeated once for credit. Students who have credit for a course with this content under another Humanities course may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

GREAT THEMES IN THE HUMANITISTIC TRADITION: THE PROBLEM OF TERRORISM

This course will provide an over-view of attempts to conceptualize the extremely fraught problem of terrorism from the "Revolutionary Terror" of the French Revolution to the tactics of the I.R.A. and al-Queda's attacks on the World trade Centre on September 11, 2001, to the rise of ISIS in Iraq, Syria and Libya. The basic question that the course shall pose is: To what extent can terrorism be understood not just as a political phenomenon, that is, as a means to accomplishing determinate political objectives, but also as a solution to the pervasive crisis of meaning or nihilism that is produced by modernity itself.

Grading

  • Essay #1 20%
  • Essay #2 30%
  • Presentation 20%
  • Participation 15%
  • Protocol 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Charles Townsend, Terrorism: A Very Short Introduction 978-0199603947

Giovanna Borradori, Philosophy in a Time of Terror: Dialogues with Juergen Habermas and Jacques Derrida B01N5KU3P3

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS