ATS2640 · The ethics of global conflict

Overview

When, if ever, is warfare justified? What about humanitarian intervention? What about violent revolution and terrorism? Why should civilians be protected in conflict? This unit will introduce you to theoretical approaches to the ethics of conflict that will allow them to answer these difficult questions. It will also serve to introduce you to basic ideas in moral and political philosophy. No background in philosophy is required: merely an interest in rational argument applied to global conflict.

Areas of study: Holocaust and genocide studies Human rights International relations International studies Philosophy

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Have a high level of understanding of the central ideas of just war theory
2. Appreciate a wide variety of criticisms of just war theory
3. Understand the connections between human rights and war
4. Have developed the ability to apply theories of justice in conflict to actual cases from recent history
5. Be able to develop and critically assess arguments about the justification of violence in the pursuit of political ends
6. Have improved their ability to effectively communicate about complex issues in international affairs
7. Have developed their ability to conduct independent research on topics of international justice.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.