Time Schedule:
Robertson Lee Allen
BISGST 397
Bothell Campus
Examines a topic, theme, problem, or area of the world in order to provide a deeper understanding of an aspect of Global Studies.
Class description
This course will cover recent anthropological contributions to theories and studies of violence and war. The readings will include two required course books:
Carolyn Nordstrom's "Global Outlaws":
http://www.amazon.com/Global-Outlaws-Contemporary-California-Anthropology/dp/0520250966
and Matthew Gutmann and Catherine Lutz's "Breaking Ranks":
http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Ranks-Veterans-Speak-against/dp/0520266382/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360905988&sr=1-2&keywords=breaking+ranks
Additional readings will be provided through the course reserves.
Student learning goals
To understand how global conflicts affect localities and individuals in idiosyncratic ways
To investigate, apply, and make relevant anthropological and social scientific theories of violence and war
To question critically the idea that humans are "naturally violent"
To explore how understandings of war and violence are always culturally specific
To provide students the opportunity to share their understandings of the course material in a variety of ways, through classroom discussion (and discussion leadership), peer review, reflection writing, and constructing a research paper
General method of instruction
Short class lectures; small group discussions; large class discussions (instructor and student facilitated); films and video clips; guest speakers
Recommended preparation
General familiarity with ethnographic methods, anthropology, or qualitative research, in addition to knowledge of recent global conflicts and issues, will significantly further student success in the course.
Class assignments and grading
Two reading analyses (800-1000 words): 10% each = 20%; Four quizzes (dropping lowest): 8% each = 24%; Final research paper (1600-2000 words) = 21%; Group discussion leadership on reading = 15%; Class participation = 20%
