Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - IS 409 D100

Special Topics I (4)

Justice, War & Power

Class Number: 3315

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 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 focuses on the ethics of war and peace. It explores the following questions: For what purposes and under what conditions (if any) is the use of military force justifiable? What are the key weaknesses and strengths in the moral and legal frameworks that regulate war? What challenges are involved in holding states, leaders, and non-state actors accountable for unjustifiable and unlawful uses of military force? How might these challenges be addressed?

The course will explore contending theoretical perspectives, from realism and just war theory to absolute and contingent pacifism. It will also examine a range of cases and issues, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war in Gaza, targeted assassinations, ecocide (or causing environmental destruction in war), and the use of drones in counterterrorism.

Grading

  • Paper, in pairs, including individual component (3800 words) 25%
  • Recorded presentation on paper topic (in pairs), and a shorter in-class presentation 15%
  • In-class writing assignments (10 x 2%) 20%
  • In-class exercise: "Defender of the Text" 5%
  • Team project (includes individual component) 20%
  • Participation 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Other assigned readings will be available online or on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING:

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

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.