Mohandas K. Gandhi

Peace, War, and Culture: Fall 2003 Syllabus

Course: ENG 330-68/ENG 548-68/PHI 340-68; MWF 1130-1220 in Faculty Hall 507
Credit Hours: 3
Professor: Dr Kevin Binfield
Office: Faculty Hall 7C
Office Hours: MWF 0830-0930, 1030-1130, 1430-1530; M 0800-0830,1645-1715
Office Phone: 762-4541
Email: kevin.binfield@murraystate.edu

Course Title:  Peace, War, and Culture

Course Description:  An interdisciplinary study of the ways in which cultures shape and are shaped by peace and war. 

Purpose:  The purpose of this course is to introduce students to a variety of conflicts, approaches to resolving conflicts, and definitions of peace through the study of literature, art, history, philosophy, popular culture, sociology and journalism.

Course Objectives: By the end of this course, a diligent student should be able to 
1) demonstrate an understanding of the concept of culture as it relates to matters of peace and war; 
2) identify and describe types of war and peace;
3) demonstrate a familiarity with the larger concept of peace and the types of peacemaking;
4) analyze cultural attitudes toward peace and war as revealed in a variety of artifacts, constructs, and institutions; 
5) conduct research into conflicts and peacemaking activities in any region of the world;
6) save the world from itself.

Prerequisites:  There are no formal prerequisites, but the ability to write analyses and arguments supported by library research (such as taught in English 101 and 102), a familiarity with world history (such as taught in Civ 101 and 102), and a familiarity with literature and philosophy (such as taught in Hum 211 and 212) are essential.

Course Texts:  1) Barash, David. Approaches to Peace: A Reader in Peace Studies. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000, ISBN 0195123867; 2) course packet from Copy Plus on Chestnut; 3) other texts via handout, reserve, internet.

Instructional Activities:  Reading, writing, independent research, lecture, and both Socratic and student-guided discussion and queries will be the primary methods of instruction. Most participatory activities will emphasize critical thinking--identifying, defining, and resolving some problem regarding a particular social or cultural phenomenon. Have regular and frequent access to the internet and email because instruction and notice may be conducted electronically via email, listserv, or a course homepage.

Laboratory and Other Activities:  Some attendance at outside events (such as films, lectures, sit-ins, protests, and acts of civil disobedience) may be required, and you will be required to participate in group activities outside of class.

Content Outline:  See the attached calendar of readings and assignments.

Course Requirements:  1) Weekly summary-analysis presentations of world news (30%); 2) writing, including up to three brief papers (e.g., analysis, review, project with report) (40%); 3) one longer researched paper (30%);  4) Participation (+/- effect on final course grade).

Grade Scale:  A=100-90, B= 89-80, C=79-70, D=69-60, E=59-0 

Attendance Policy, Academic Honesty, and Other Nasty Bits:  Attend class; you’re a citizen of this class community and responsible for sharing with your classmates your engagement, interest, and ideas.  Attendance will be a factor in your final course grade.  Lateness will be a factor in grades assigned to your work.  Academic dishonesty will result in failure of the course and other sanctions provided for by the University.  Your participation should be thoughtful, informed, and courteous; this classroom will be a safe place for the considerate exchange of ideas.  This syllabus may be changed with notice.