Peace and Conflict Resolution -- Political Science 4400





2nd Summer Term 1997
INSTRUCTOR: Iren Omo-Bare
TIME: T/TH 7-10 p.m.
OFFICE HOURS: M-F 12:00-1:25
TEL: 974-1439



Course Objectives: This course traces major issues of war and peace and examines strategies to achieve peace. It takes a comprehensive overview of efforts to achieve peace in the 20th Century. One main theme is the efforts to develop appropriate conceptualization of peace and the global dialogue on the meaning of peace. A second theme is the various contributions of different paradigms to the understanding of peace. These include traditional conceptions of peace, theories on positive peace, feminist approaches to peace, political economy perspectives, and ecological understanding of peace and security.

A Third theme is the examination and evaluation of various neo-functionalism, world government, economic well-being and equity, ecological security, non-violence, peace movements, peace education, and management of global commons. Overall, the course illuminates various ways in which different disciplines and professions make contributions to peace theories and practices.
Texts: David P. Barash. Introduction to Peace Studies. Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1991.

Lincoln P. Bloomfield and Allen Moulton. Managing International Conflict. St. Martin's Press, 1997. (B&M)

In addition, each student will be required to read photocopied articles which will be assigned during the course of the session. Class lecture and discussions will assume that required assignments have been read before each class.
Reading Assignments:
July 1-10         Introduction                 Barash  Chs 2,4&5            
                 WAR: The Causes of War          "     Chs 6-12
                                                B&M    Chs 1-3


July 15-22 PEACE Barash Chs 1&3 Approaches to Peace: "Negative Peace" " Chs 13-19 Balance of Power, Collective Security, B&M Chs 5-6 Disarmament, Functionalism, Neo-functionalism, etc.

July 24 Peacekeeping

July 29 Approaches to Peace: "Positive Peace" Barash Chs 20-23 Human Rights, Economic Well-Being, B&M Ch 4 Nonviolence, etc.

July 31 Alternative Futures: Barash Ch 24 Personal Transformation


Papers, Examinations and Grades

REACTION PAPERS: The class meetings are designed to be highly participatory. Most of the topics we cover contain disputed conclusions and a fair variety of positions. In order to promote reasoned thoughtful discussion, students will be required to write a three to four hundred word (one to two double-spaced typed pages) reaction to selected readings. The papers are not to be summaries of the readings. Rather, they should be reactions -- even provocative reactions -- to the readings. However, comments should be professional (brilliant insights like "I think Kabila is a Fascist" or "Mama Rosa is stupid" just don't cut it). Students will find that these papers do wonders for the level of discussion in the class. You'll probably start to actually enjoy writing them after a while.

Note: You will be graded on the basis of your knowledge and analytical effort, not on your opinions regarding issues of the course. Disagreement with the instructor, course readings, etc., is highly encouraged.

PRESENTATIONS: Course activity will involve oral presentations. Each individual will prepare for informal but thorough presentation to the class a summary and evaluation of a relevant war/peace related topic. Reports should be given from notes rather than read, and other members of the class will enter into lively questioning and discussion in order to assure maximum benefits for all students in the class.

PAPERS: Each student will be responsible for completing a short term paper (8 pages max). Students are encouraged to consult with the instructor early in the term regarding topic and resource materials. Your paper should be typewritten and double-spaced. These papers will form the basis of students' class presentations. Sources must be properly cited, and a bibliography must be provided. Papers are due on or before July 24.

The papers should focus on one of two general topics:

1. A violent conflict of particular interest, such as any current wars, past wars, or some other violent phenomenon such as gender violence, "terrorism," etc.

OR

2. A nonviolent conflict of particular interest, such as any nonviolent social movement, past wars, or some other nonviolent phenomenon.

Unfortunately, most of the presentations will have to be made in the middle two weeks of the term (Sign up early in the course.)


EXAMS AND GRADES: There will be one final examination.

Term Paper (30%)
Presentations (10%)
Reaction papers (20%)
Participation (10%)
August 1 - Final Exam (30%)

TIPS FOR TAKING ESSAY TESTS

A student must have prior permission to miss an exam in order to be eligible for a make-up exam. If you miss an exam without approval, you will not be given a make-up and you will receive an "F" for that exam. No makeup quizzes are given.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Students are responsible for lecture material and the assigned readings. It is virtually impossible to pass the course without regular class attendance.

Only the instructor can "excuse" an absence. Three cuts is about average to meet the needs of doctor appointments or other serious personal and/or family obligations. After that you will get a blue card warning you of the danger if you miss more classes. If you persist in your folly, you will get a yellow card dropping you from the course with a grade of F.

Honor Code: Please be advised that all class activities are subject to the provisions of the honor code. Plagiarizing, cheating in examinations, lying about missed assignments, absences, etc., are all violations of the honor code. If you are uncertain about whether an act constitutes a violation of the honor code, consult the instructor. See next page for additional information.



ACADEMIC HONOR CODE of MILLSAPS COLLEGE


Millsaps College is an academic community dedicated to the pursuit of scholarly inquiry and intellectual growth. The foundation of this community is a spirit of personal honesty and mutual trust. Through their Honor Code, the students of Millsaps College affirm their adherence to these basic ethical principles.

An Honor Code is not simply a set of rules and procedures governing students' academic conduct. It is an opportunity to put personal responsibility and integrity into action. When students agree to abide by an Honor Code, they liberate themselves to pursue their academic goals in an atmosphere of mutual confidence and respect.

The success of the Code depends on the support of each member of the community. Students and faculty alike commit themselves in their work to the principles of academic honesty. When they become aware of infractions, both students and faculty are obligated to report them to the Honor Council, which is responsible for enforcement.

The pledge signed by all students upon entering the College is as follows:

As a Millsaps College student, I hereby affirm that I understand the Honor Code and am aware of its implications and of my responsibility to the Code. In the interests of expanding the atmosphere of respect and trust in the College, I promise to uphold the Honor Code and I will not tolerate dishonest behavior in myself or in others.

Each examination, quiz, or other assignment that is to be graded will carry the written pledge: "I hereby certify that I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this assignment. (Signature)" The abbreviation "Pledged" followed by the student's signature has the same meaning and may be acceptable on assignments other than final examinations.

It is the responsibility of students and faculty to report offenses to the Honor Code Council in the form of a written report. This account must be signed, the accusation explained in as much detail as possible, and submitted to the Dean of the College.

The Honor Council,

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