Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - IS 409 E100

Special Topics I (4)

Justice, War & Power

Class Number: 4454

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines debates about the use of political violence, with a particular focus on military force. It explores the following questions: For what purposes and under what conditions (if any) is the use of political violence and military force justifiable? When and how should those who enact political violence be held accountable?

We will explore a range of contending perspectives, from realism and just war theory to various forms of pacifism and other critical perspectives. We will bring these perspectives to bear on a range of contemporary challenges related to the use of political violence and military force. And we will examine specific cases of conflict and war, as well as specific efforts to oppose to such violence.

Grading

  • Annotated Bibliography & Essay Outline 15%
  • Essay 30%
  • Group Project & Presentation 30%
  • In-class assignments 10%
  • Participation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Michael Walzer, Just and Unjust Wars, 5th edition (Basic Books, 2015).

Neta Crawford, Accountability for Killing (Oxford University Press, 2013).


Other assigned readings will be available electronically via Canvas or online.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.