Peace, War, and Defense

Peace, War, and Defense

401 Hamilton Hall, CB# 3200
(919) 962-3093

First Session, 2024

PWAD 120 World Regional Geography (GEOG 120)(3)

A survey of the geographic structure of human activity in major world regional and nations. Emphasizes current developments related to population, urbanization, and economic activity.

PWAD 250 Introduction in Peace and Security Studies (3)

MAYMESTER. In this course, we will examine global security challenges such as international wars, internal wars, non-state violence, economic disputes, financial crises, and problems of coordination and cooperation. We will adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing on lessons from political science, economics, history, sociology, and anthropology. We will begin by examining problems of international security, such as interstate crises and war, and develop an understanding of the bureaucracies tasked with managing these issues. In the second section of the course, we will first examine conflict associated with non-state actors, and will then discuss non-traditional security issues, such as financial crises and problems of common pooled resources. Throughout, we will use scientific research and historical analyses to gain a better grasp on the dynamics of security problems in the international system.

PWAD 262 History of the Holocaust: The Destruction of the European Jews (HIST262, JWST 262) (3)

ONLINE. Anti-Semitism; the Jews of Europe; the Hitler dictatorship; evolution of Nazi Jewish policy from persecution to the Final Solution; Jewish response; collaborators, bystanders, and rescuers; aftermath.

PWAD 272 The Ethics of Peace, War, and Defense (POLI 272) (PHIL 272) (3)

An analysis of ethical issues that arise in peace, war, and defense, e.g., the legitimacy of states, just war theory, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction.

PWAD 287 Strategy and International Relations (POLI 287) (3)

MAYMESTER. Introduction to the study of strategic decision making in international relations, with an emphasis on the application of basic game theoretic models. Incorporates in-class simulations of international relations scenarios.

PLCY/PWAD 450 Internal and Interpersonal Conflict Management (3)

MAYMESTER. This course aims to provide students with the tools necessary to most effectively engage in interpersonal conflicts. Students engage with diverse conflict management practitioners–from formally incarcerated individuals to public policy negotiation to international conflict mediators and role-play cross-cultural communication, inter-governmental negotiations, human rights, and workplace negotiations. Students will learn new negotiation and mediation skills, build upon existing ones, and learn to cope with stress, discomfort, and emotions when in conflict. Previously offered as PLCY/PWAD 330.

This course is meant for future peacemakers and peacebuilders who aim to make a difference in and with their immediate and wider environments: friends, romantic partners, family members, work colleagues, and one’s community.

Peacemakers and peacebuilders are often focused on the wellbeing of others. Their own wellbeing is often pushed to the side to make space for those in pain. This course is an opportunity to prioritize the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of the peacemakers and peacebuilders so that they may better serve others, learn how to take care of themselves when they are in the workforce, and build a community that is based on mutual understanding.

Most sessions will be conducted by “sitting in circle” and in small groups. We will learn and practice communication-intensive circles, build High-Quality Listening skills, discover our relationship with apology and forgiveness, and learn how to better understand our own needs and the needs of others.Course flyer.

At the end of this course, students might be able to answer the following questions:

• How and why do I react to conflict?
• How has my past impacted the way I respond to conflicts today?
• What actions must I take to improve my relationships with others?
• And how can I build a community that is based on trust?

PWAD 462 (ASIA/PWAD 462) The Arab-Jews: Culture, Community, and Coexistence (3)

MAYMESTER. The Israeli (Zionist)-Arab conflict, which has lasted for over 100 years, has instilled in the minds of many the notion of the incompatibility of the terms “Arabs” and “Jews.”  The presence of Jews in Arab lands and the often peaceful co-existence between the Jews and their neighbors render “Arab-Jews” not an oxymoron, but a historical reality. This course is designed to examine Jewish life in Arab lands in the last century by examining culture, language, and the communal life the Arab-Jews shared with their neighbors of other faiths. Class materials include scholarly texts, literary works, films, and music related to the theme of Arab-Jews. Course flyer.

PWAD 490.041 Special Topics: Conflict in Iraq’s Modern History (3)

This course explores the impact of war and ongoing conflicts in Iraq on international relations in the 21st century. We will delve into key developments since 1920, including the Iran-Iraq War, Gulf War, 2003 invasion, and subsequent civil war. By examining political, economic, and ideological factors that led to these events and the rise of terrorist groups like ISIS, students will gain a deep understanding of the conflict dynamic in Iraq and the surrounding countries. Additionally, we will emphasize Iraq’s diverse history and culture to provide a comprehensive perspective on the region’s complexities.

Second Session, 2024

PWAD 120 World Regional Geography (GEOG 120)(3)

A survey of the geographic structure of human activity in major world regional and nations. Emphasizes current developments related to population, urbanization, and economic activity.

PWAD 262 History of the Holocaust: The Destruction of the European Jews (HIST262, JWST 262) (3)

ONLINE. Anti-Semitism; the Jews of Europe; the Hitler dictatorship; evolution of Nazi Jewish policy from persecution to the Final Solution; Jewish response; collaborators, bystanders, and rescuers; aftermath.

PWAD 364 Post-Conflict and Peacebuilding (3)

This course considers theories of peacebuilding and state-building, investigates the various challenges facing post-conflict states, and assesses the role that international actors play in this process. Case study based. War is hell, but trying to establish peace after years of bloody conflict and genocide can produce its own pain. What should war-torn countries do to promote reconciliation and healing? Is it possible to establish peace without politicizing the pain of a traumatized nation? What legal options are available to deter future atrocities? Can the victors hold the perpetrators accountable by putting them on trial without destabilizing the country or being accused of “victor’s justice”? This course examines the range of judicial and non-judicial mechanisms for dealing with a country’s large-scale abuses of human rights, as well as violations of international humanitarian law. These mechanisms are intended to transition a country from war to peace, and in many cases from authoritarian to democratic forms of government. The goal is to rebuild a society based on the rule of law, but this process is often fraught with controversy, as the road to peace is seldom easy. By analyzing examples since World War II, students will understand why a one-size-fits-all approach to transitional justice is deeply flawed and why context is the key to securing lasting tranquility between warring factions.

PWAD 460 International Economics (ECON 460)(3)

Prerequisites, ECON 400 and 410; a grade of C or better in ECON 400 and 410 is required. An introduction to international trade, the balance of payments, and related issues of foreign economic policy. Combined with PWAD 460 and EURO 460.