Politics and Ethics in Times of War
GOVT 106
Fall 2007
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01
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In this course, we will consider various political situations during times of war that raise ethical dilemmas for the participants and questions about the ethics of actions taken. In particular, we will analyze individual and state-sponsored decisions and situations during World War II and the Vietnam War from a variety of ethical approaches in order to better understand the issues involved and values at stake. For example, we will examine, among other case studies, the Sonderkommandos at Auschwitz in Poland and the Japanese-American internment in the U.S. during World War II and the My Lai Massacre and GI resistance as well as the U.S. decision to use Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Students will research and present on selected topics raised by the war in Iraq. Course materials include the texts listed below and supplemental articles, literature and documentaries. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Ethical Reasoning, Speaking
Students will do two oral presentations in class and consider case studies from a variety of ethical approaches.
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS GOVT |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 | | Special Attributes: FYI |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Rachels, James, THE ELEMENTS OF MORAL PHILOSOPHY
Walzer, Michael, JUST AND UNJUST WAR
Fitzgerald, Frances, FIRE IN THE LAKE
Herr, Michael, DISPATCHES
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Examinations and Assignments:
Two in-class presentations, one exam, one short paper, one final paper from presentation, blackboard discussion. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Class attendance and participation in class discussion required. |
| Instructor(s): Brown,Louise S. Times: ..T.R.. 10:30AM-11:50AM; Location: JUDDB6; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 16 | | SR major: X | JR major: X | | |
| Seats Available: -2 | GRAD: 0 | SR non-major: X | JR non-major: X | SO: X | FR: 16 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 8 | 1st Ranked: 3 | 2nd Ranked: 3 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 2 |
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