THURSDAY 5.30 PM - 8.20 PM
This course is a study of the major theories and ideas in worldwide civil was. It covers both the qualitative and quantitative approaches to the study of conflict. If time permits we will also analyze articles employing formal or game theory. This course will combine lectures and discussions. Since this is a general conflict course, it will cover theories and ideas of quite a number of different scholars and views.
Upon completion of this course, students are required to have a grasp of the above. At the end of the course students are required to be able to identify key concepts and terms in international and civil conflict. Further, the student should exhibit an ability to apply these in explaining development within the field. In addition, students are also required to understand and analyze political events and trends. Hopefully, what has been learned may give you a better understanding of what happens within the country and outside, and the questions posed by political scientists, etc. The reading assignments should prepare you for related graduate level courses in political science and government, and PhD level courses. The writing assignment/term paper is designed to improve both your scholarly writing skills as well as research skills.
Each member of the class will show due respect for one another. Ideas may be challenged, but individual attacks are unacceptable. I will not tolerate rude and/or abusive language in class. A student who makes fun of the instructor directly or indirectly, for example, in the form of a slang or a jargon will be dealt with seriously. I will also not tolerate any other unacceptable behavior in class, for example, the habit of talking to others when the instructor is talking, or while another student is engaged in a discussion with the instructor. Whistling while class is in session is another example of distracting behavior. It is impossible to list all disturbing behavior so it is naturally expected of you, as members of institutions of higher learning to understand what constitutes appropriate behavior or otherwise. In keeping with the theme of respect, all students must adhere to the code of academic conduct in order to maintain appropriate and acceptable conduct when class is in session (Please read the Student Handbook).
In addition, students are also required to understand the seriousness of plagiarism in the academic world. Failure to do so, as evidenced by plagiarism or other honor violations will result in a failing grade or more serious consequences.
Note: No person will be discriminated based on age, race, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. (Any student with a disability certified by the University disability office should notify the instructor immediately for proper arrangements to be made).
Examination 35%
Individual Presentation 25%
Participation 20% I refer to any form of participation which is negatively distracting, inappropriate, or rude, negative participation. Students who commit negative participation are at risk of losing some or all participation points and face other appropriate actions. Other examples of negative participations are sleeping in class and regularly communicating with other students when class is in session or other undesirable conduct. In any case these behaviors are considered negative participation.
Term Paper/Presentation
The term paper must be based on your presentation. A hard copy of the presentation is required. The objective is to ensure ability to write a senior quality paper and the ability to understand search techniques, correct style of scholarly writing, avoiding plagiarism, etc. Papers must adhere strictly to requirements- Page numbering, Paper length, Introduction and Conclusion, Scholarly style, stapled (not clips), and not late. Failure to follow this can result in either reduced paper grade or fail (Will be discussed in greater detail in class).
A hard copy of the presentation is required. The objective is to ensure ability to write a graduate quality paper and the ability to understand search techniques, correct style of scholarly writing, avoiding plagiarism, etc. Papers must adhere strictly to requirements- Page numbering, Paper length, Introduction and Conclusion, Scholarly style, stapled (not clips), and not late. Failure to follow this can result in either reduced paper grade or fail (Will be discussed in greater detail in class).
Late papers will not be accepted. When a student misses the presentation or is planning to reschedule it, only official reasons are accepted.
Attendance and Quizzes 20% (You are allowed one absence).
The instructor reserves the right to deduct attendance points for students who are regularly late for class or regularly enter and leave class while lecture is in session. The number of points deducted is at the sole discretion of the instructor. It could range from 1 percentage point to the entire 20 percentage points. If you are late, it is your responsibility to find out what announcements you missed. Although I sometimes repeat important announcements, it is solely your responsibility to find out missed information. The instructor is not responsible for repeating announcements already made in class, nor respond to emails about missed announcements.
Note: The instructor reserves the right to deduct points from the overall/total points for students who are regularly late for class. The instructor reserves the right to deduct points from the overall/total points for students who violate any part of the “Some Important Expectations” section above. There may or may not be prior warning about losing points.