The causes and consequences of civilians’ experiences during
war and armed conflict, including their health and general well-
being, combatants’ moral and legal obligations to them, and the
reasons why they are often intentionally targeted with violence.
Athena Title
War and Human Security
Prerequisite
INTL 3200 or INTL 3200E or INTL 3200H or INTL 3300 or INTL 3300E or INTL 3300H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course students will be able to synthesize details about the concepts in international affairs (e.g., the international system, actors in the international system, the principles of sovereignty and anarchy).
By the end of the course students will be able to evaluate how the characteristics of various political systems lead to different political outcomes.
By the end of the course students will be able to evaluate the major theoretical approaches and models used within international relations and comparative politics.
By the end of the course students will be able to evaluate theoretical foundations in the study of international relations and comparative politics when applying them to attempt to explain the causes and effects of historical and contemporary global events.
By the end of the course students will be able to collect and analyze original quality data relative to the causes and effects of historical and contemporary global events.
By the end of the course students will be able to create original, well-informed arguments about the causes and effects of historical and contemporary global events that is theoretically informed and includes quality data.
By the end of the course students will be able to write in a clear structured manner that provides an original theoretically informed argument presented to an intended audience that is supported with data and uses appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.
By the end of the course students will be able to create an original social science research project.
Topical Outline
Introduction to Human Security
Treatment of Civilians in War: Moral and Legal Obligations
War and Public Health
Case studies: War in Iraq, The Battle of the Bulge
The Intentional Victimization of Civilians
Is it ever okay to target civilians? (Case Study: Hiroshima and
Nagasaki)
Theories of Intentional Victimization
Case Studies: Vietnam, Malaysia, East Timor, Sherman’s March
Individual Participation (Case Study: My Lai)
Special Topics
Sexual Violence and War
Child Soldiers
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
