Spring 2019 - POL 348 D100

Theories of War, Peace and Conflict Resolution (4)

Class Number: 6193

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2019
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.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:

Why do wars occur?  How can we maintain peace?  Are we destined for another big war among competing great powers?  These are fundamental and perennial questions in world politics, and many thinkers have wrestled with them.  This course provides an overview of these theories, as well as common ways of scholarly inquiry, with which all students of international security should be familiar.  Upon the successful completion of this course, students will have acquired the foundational knowledge for further academic training in international security affairs.   

There will be a four-hour seminar once a week.

Grading

  • Participation 25%
  • Short Paper 20%
  • Mid-Term and Final Examinations 55%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Richard K. Betts, ed., Conflict After the Cold War: Arguments on Causes of War and Peace. 5th ed. (Routledge, NY: 2017). 3rd and 4th editions are also acceptable.   
ISBN: 978-1-138-29069-3

Kenneth N. Waltz, Man, the State, and War  (New York: Columbia University Press, 1959).  Later editions are also acceptable. 
ISBN: 978-0-231-12537-6

In addition, journal articles will be assigned (reserved at the library).

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://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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS