Special Topics in Political Science (490-0-23)

Topic

Politics of Violence

Instructors

Danielle Gilbert

Meeting Info

Scott Hall 212: Mon 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

What is political violence? What do we know about its causes, conduct, and consequences—and how can it be studied and, in some cases, prevented? This graduate seminar introduces students to the vibrant, interdisciplinary field of political violence research. We will read, analyze, compare, and critique classic and contemporary scholarship from Comparative Politics, International Relations, American Politics, Economics, and Sociology. Engaging central theoretical and methodological debates, the course examines violence across time and space, from organized to spontaneous forms. Topics include interstate and civil war, state repression and genocide, terrorism, and the political, social, and institutional legacies of war and peace.

Registration Requirements

Graduate students only

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to: (1) Explain, compare, and critically assess competing theories of the causes, conduct, and consequences of political violence; (2) Identify and evaluate the field's core substantive, theoretical, and methodological contributions and debates; (3) Design original, high-quality research on the causes, conduct, or consequences of political violence.

Teaching Method

Seminar

Evaluation Method

Seminar participation (25%): This course meets weekly and relies on sustained, informed discussion. Students are expected to complete the assigned readings in advance and come prepared to summarize, compare, critique, and apply the material.

Reading responses (25%): Each class will begin with a brief, in-class writing exercise responding to that week's readings. Students will have 15 minutes to answer a question posed at the start of class.

Final paper (50%): Students will produce an original research design related to political violence (15-25 pages). The paper should articulate a research question, situate it within the relevant literature, propose hypotheses, and outline a feasible research design.

Class Notes

Please note that this course engages with violence as both a subject of analysis and an empirical reality. Some readings and discussions may involve graphic or disturbing material.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration. Reserved for Graduate Students.