Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2015 - HIST 307 D100

Selected Topics in Hellenic Studies (4)

Class Number: 4427

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2015: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including 9 units of lower division History.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected Topics. Students with credit for HS 307 may not take HIST 307 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Guerrilla Warfare and State-Building in the Balkans and the Near East 

This course will examine the role of guerrilla warfare and terrorism in constructing the state system in the Balkans and the Near East, with a focus on the modern period. The lectures will examine the construction and development of these states, and the role of terrorist organizations and irregular warfare in their formation. The course, in so doing, will examine important questions for not only the Balkans and the Near East, but as well as the Middle East. Topics will include: How does one define irregular war? How does one make the distinction between a freedom fighter and a terrorist? What is the relationship between states and irregular warfare? What role have non-state entities, such as guerrillas, had in constructing states in the region? Consequently, the course will try to determine the role of irregular warfare in constructing the modern Balkans, the Near East, as well as such ongoing case studies as Kosovo and the Islamic State.

HIST 307 is cross-listed with HS 307 and you may take this course under the HIST designation or the HS designation.

Grading

  • Paper Proposal 10%
  • Class Participation 20%
  • Two Book Reviews (15% x 2) 30%
  • Final Paper 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings will be provided on Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Beckett, Ian. Modern Insurgencies and Counter-Insurgencies: Guerrillas and their Opponents since 1750. London: Routledge, 2001. Glenny, Misha. The Balkans: Nationalism, War, and the Great Powers, 1804-2012. Toronto: Anansi, 2012.

These texts are not required, but are useful reference materials.

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