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Advanced Topics in Anthropology (379-0-70)

Topic

Violence/Power/Resistance

Instructors

Sami Hermez

Meeting Info

Northwestern Qatar Room 2-255: Mon, Wed 10:00AM - 11:15AM (AST)

Overview of class

Walter Benjamin once wrote, "There is no document of civilization which is not at the same time a document of barbarism." In this course, we take this as a starting point to question the role of violence in social life and to ask: what is violence? What forms does it take? How does it manifest in everyday life? How are people affected by the violence of war, and how are societies changed by political violence? Central to such questions is the place of resistance and its relationship to violence. What are the different ways to resist violence? What does it mean to struggle for self-determination? When does a freedom fighter become terrorist? What forms of resistance might give hope for social change? And should resistance be violent or non-violent? Circulating through these questions is a fundamental concern with power. Thus, this course will be concerned with power as a concept that animates violence and resistance. We will explore these questions and delve into topics that include the study of war, genocide, gender violence, gang violence and decolonization in varying geographic areas. We will do so by reading ethnographies, watching documentaries, and analyzing various other artistic expressions.

Registration Requirements


  • Prerequisites: None

  • Open to juniors and above

  • Open for cross-registration

  • Satisfies Middle East Studies Minor

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for NU Qatar Juniors and Seniors Only