Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - POL 348 D100

Theories of War, Peace and Conflict Resolution (4)

Class Number: 6986

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2018
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the origins and causes of several major conflicts during the last century. This course reviews various theories on the causes of conflict and war in the international system. It also examines the techniques of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, crisis management and coercive diplomacy as they have been used to try to forestall open warfare and maximize the opportunities for peaceful change and the negotiated resolution of international disputes. Both documentary and feature films will be used to illustrate many types of conflict and warfare in the international system. Course simulations, when employed, will concentrate on the problems and risks that are involved in international efforts to contain and reverse the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course provides a detailed introduction to the systematic study of patterns of international conflict, the causes of war, and the development of techniques of crisis management as well as patterns of, and prospects for, peaceful conflict resolution. In addition to exploring specific instances of wars of miscalculation, aggression, coercive diplomacy and intervention, the course will examine past instances of crisis management and ways to promote the peaceful resolution of disputes.

There will be a three-hour lecture and one hour tutorial each week.  Tutorials start in Week Two.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • 2 Oral Presentations – Article Reviews 20%
  • Book Review 15%
  • Research Paper Outline 10%
  • Research Paper 20%
  • Final Examination 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Richard K. Betts, ed., Conflict After the Cold War: Arguments on Causes of War and Peace. 5th ed (Routledge, NY: 2017).
ISBN: 978-1-138-29069-3

John G. Stoessinger, Why Nations Go to War. 11th edition (Boston: Wadsworth/Cengage 2011).
ISBN: 978-0-495-79718-0

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

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