Course Description

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the long tradition of debate concerning the nature and legitimacy of war. We will explore the reality of war, the revulsion of violence and the possibility of just war by reading a variety of classic texts ranging from Thucydides to Kant to Walzer. We will also explore how these historical approaches continue to animate contemporary debates. Finally we will look closely at a few recent conflicts, including the current war on terror, in light of the moral and empirical arguments we have learned.

If you encounter difficulty with the readings or the assignments, please do not hesitate to speak to either of us after class, during office hours or arrange another time to meet. You may also want to take advantage of Academic Support Center if you have a learning disability or the Writing Place if you would like help with your writing (x3288).

Expectations

Integrity. One of the great goals of education is to learn to conduct oneself honorably in intellectual affairs. At the very least, honorable conduct in this course means that you will not turn in any work as your own that was written by someone else. If you have questions, please consult “The Book” (www.stolaf.edu/stulife/thebook/academic/plagiarism.html).

Care. Approach all of you class work with care, especially your written assignments. All papers should be turned in on time (or you should contact me before the due date to discuss very rare instances in which you cannot meet a deadline). Be sure to take the time to proofread your work for spelling, grammar, sentence structure and flow.

Engagement. Come to class ready to comment on readings and engage in discussion. We expect all participants to be present both physically and mentally. Regular and active participation may nudge your grade upwards (at my discretion) and repeated absences will propel your grade downwards.

Assignments

Tribunals. As a class, we will be participating in five tribunals that require us to think critically and contextually about the morality of particular historical actions. You will be an active participate on a team during one of these tribunals and a member of the audience/jury in the others. 20% of your overall grade is based on the group’s written work for your tribunal. 10% of your grade is based on your performance at the tribunal. 5% of your grade is based on your group’s evaluation of your work.

Readings and Participation. Since this course will be primarily based on discussion, you will be expected to have read the assigned readings carefully before each class. You will also be expected to contribute to large group discussions and participate in small group activities throughout the term. In order to assess your reading comprehension, you may receive unannounced quizzes periodically throughout the term. The multiple-choice quiz questions come directly from the class readings.

Response Papers. You will be required to write two short response papers (1-2 pages) on days in which you are not participating in a Tribunal during the term.

    • Each paper involves answering one of the questions on the readings provided in this syllabus.

    • All papers should be double-spaced with standard margins and fonts (11 or 12 pt). All papers should include your name, our names, course title on the first page. All subsequent pages should be numbered.

    • We expect to find a clear and coherent argument in which every sentence directly relates to the thesis and logically connects with one another. Any claims concerning our readings should be supported by textual evidence. Finally your paper should exhibit impeccable grammar and precise sentence structure.

    • These papers are due prior to the discussion of that question in class. You are responsible for answering one question during the first two weeks (1/5 – 1/16) and one question during the last two weeks (1/19 – 1/27).

Exam. You will take a cumulative final exam analyzing various arguments presented in the course and synthesizing the themes.

Grade Breakdown

35% Tribunal (20% Written Work, 10% Oral Presentation, 5% Peer Evaluation)

20% 2 Papers (10% each)

35% Final Exam

10% Participation

Books to be Purchased

Walzer, Just and Unjust Wars

Kant, Perpetual Peace and Other Essays

Reader stuffed to the brim with excerpts from classic texts