Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - IS 808 G300

Special Topics in Governance and Conflict (4)

Civil Wars

Class Number: 5611

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, we will grapple with civil wars, tracing the evolution of civil wars throughout history and debate the different ways scholars have studied and understood them. Some of the questions we will ask are:

  • What set this kind of violence apart from international wars or from ordinary crime?
  • Some scholars have argued that we are increasingly seeing a new kind of warfare, defined by transnational criminal networks, fighting in the name of identity instead of ideology and the use of terrorism. Is this true?
  • How have evolutions in technology shaped civil wars?
  • What are the different approaches of peacebuilding and how successful have they been?
In order to examine these issues, we will study the wars in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Syria in depth.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Through this course, students will (a) develop an understanding of the causes of civil war; (b) gain understanding of the different methodological approaches that social scientists employ in studying this topic; (c) and understanding key debates in peacebuilding. Students will also develop critical thinking and writing skills, especially in assessing different theories and concepts of violence and peace.

Grading

  • Participation 20%
  • Class exams 20%
  • Reading Response Essay (1000 words) 25%
  • Research Paper (2500 words) 35%

NOTES:

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.