Time Schedule:
Kathie Friedman
SIS 522
Seattle Campus
Topics vary, but always focus on ethnic group relations and nationalism viewed from a broad, comparative, interdisciplinary perspective. Emphasis is heavily cross-cultural, and the geographical coverage world-wide.
Class description
Ethno-National Conflict, Memory and Reconciliation
Ethno-national conflict has become one of the most pervasive and serious problems in the world since the end of the cold war. One focus of this seminar will be on the historical and contemporary circumstances under which ethno-national relations have deteriorated into major conflicts that have led to mass killing and destruction. We will discuss why ethno-national relations turn extremely violent in some places but not others, why some people show empathy in situations of social suffering and even intervene as rescuers and others become bystanders or perpetrators. Another focus of the seminar is on the aftermath of ethno-national conflict. We will discuss the politics of commemoration and memorialization, as well as public expressions of forgiveness, restitution, and reconciliation.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Seminar
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Intensive reading and regular active effective contributions to discussion, facilitation of one seminar meeting, one short reading report, one research paper.
