Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-31)
Topic
The Legacies of Civil War: A Study Through Film an
Instructors
Ana Maria Arjona
Scott Hall, Room 237
Office Hours: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/ana-arjona.html
Meeting Info
Scott Hall 107 Burdick Room: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
This course delves into the profound impact of civil war on individuals and communities. We explore how civil war shapes behavior and social interaction, both during conflict and in its aftermath. In the first part, we scrutinize daily life in war zones, examining not only violence but also the emerging rules and norms that shape human interaction in war zones and analyze the transformative effects of war on societal life. Moving to the second part, we delve into the post-conflict stage, exploring the legacies of these experiences. Relying on a curated collection of films reflecting life during and after civil war, we explore the human experience of conflict in a nuanced and personal manner. Additionally, we examine social scientific research, drawing from political science, economics, and psychology, to understand and explain these legacies. By the course's end, students will gain a deep understanding of the complex impacts that civil war can have on individuals and communities and the challenges and opportunities that arise during the post-conflict stage.
Learning Objectives
Students will gain a critical understanding of the dynamics and legacies of civil war for the individuals and communities that endure it. They will also improve their analytical skills for studying political and social phenomena. They will improve their capacity to evaluate the quality of theories as well as to draw conclusions from empirical evidence.
Evaluation Method
- Attendance and class participation (15%)
- 6 Memos (30%): Each student will select a case study to focus on throughout the course. Six out of the nine weeks of the quarter, students will submit a short memo (600-800 words) describing that week's topic in their chosen case. For example, when discussing violence against civilians, students will write a memo on the patterns of violence in their chosen case. Students will use these memos they wrote throughout the quarter as the basis for a final paper.
- Reports on group discussion (10%): During class, we will discuss the assigned readings and/or films. We will also work in groups to discuss students' findings about their chosen cases and will submit a short report that summarizes the conclusions of their discussion.
- Presentation (10%): At the end of the quarter, students will give a presentation on their final paper.
- Final paper (35%)
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl