Time Schedule:
Jason Scheideman
POL S 407
Seattle Campus
Examines different theoretical explanations for the causes of war, including the role of international, state, organizational, and individual factors; additional topics vary with instructor. May include the development of warefare, deterring weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, intelligence, and the ethics of warfare.
Class description
(Full Term) Description: War and conflict are central features of international politics. There are many forms of international conflict in international politics, including global wars, local wars, terrorism, and military interventions. This course will begin by looking at the causes of war and conflict, and then examine the consequences for societies, nations, and international politics. This course will give provide some historical background, but will concentrate on explaining issues in contemporary international politics.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Texts: Reader; R. I. Rotberg and T. K. Rabb, eds, The Origin and Prevention of Major Wars, 1989; Michael Howard, War in European History, 2001.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments: Midterm, final, and one paper
Grading: Exams: 40 %; Research Paper: 40 %, Participation: 20%.
