PSC 372: Seminar in International Studies, Syllabus

America's Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

Revised 22 Jan. 2008 by Dr. Christopher Carr; page compiled by Prof. Jeremy Lewis.

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the conduct and structure of US government through the prism of war. The course will explore the relationship between civilian and military leadership, the social and economic impact of conducting wars and the ramifications of war in the context of relations between states in the international system.

Learning Objectives:

Comprehend the decision-making process involved in the commitment to go to war.
Engage in critical thinking on the nature of coalition warfare.
Critically analyze the role of the media during the conduct of war.
Comprehend the problems inherent in wars of an unconventional nature.
Analyze the difficulties and solutions in respect to nation-building.

Expected Outcomes:

Engage in critical discussions on the two wars under review.
Maintain a balanced and objective view point during class discussions.
Write a competent, well formulated research paper.
Be able to synthesize class material and discussion within the context of written examinations.

It is not easy to investigate and discuss wars while they are taking place. There are emotional and psychological dimensions that often inhibit open and critical discussion because such analysis might be deemed un-patriotic and undermining in respect to the morale of troops in the field. However, there are also aspects of conflicts, such as prevailing attitudes to political leadership or transient aspects of social/media activities, whose impact, if we wait to discuss wars at a later date, may become lost as the wars themselves become history. This course will be a test of your skills as academics to place the current wars within an objective analytical framework. Each student will be expected to participate in the seminars, to maintain their objectivity and to use readings as the framework for their interjections.

Books:

Record, J, Dark Victory : America’s Second War Against Iraq, Naval Inst. Press, 2004

Ricks, T, Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq, Penguin, 2006/7

Packer, G, The Assassins’ Gate: America in Iraq, FTG, 2005

Stewart, R, The Prince of the Marshes, Harcourt, 2006

In addition to these works, handouts will be provided by the instructor. Edited video may be used in class and students will be directed to video resources on the internet.

Grading:
Final grades will be assessed on the following basis:

30% Class Participation. This will not be assessed based upon the quantity of participation but rather upon the quality of comments, questions and responses.
20% Mid-Term Exam This will be in the form of short-answers and a short essay.
20% Research Paper. This will be on a topic chosen by the student. The topic will be made known to the instructor by the end of week 4 and will be completed and handed in to the instructor during the Monday class , April 14.
30% Final Exam. This will be comprehensive, short answers and a short essay.

Behavior:

You are expected to comply with the HC Honor Code and with the additional rules placed on the Poli Sci Requirements page.

Students with Disabilities, HC notice :

"Huntingdon College makes every reasonable accommodation for disabilities that have been processed and approved through our Disability Services Committee in accord with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. In order to request disability-related services at Huntingdon College, students must self-identify to the Disabilities Intake Coordinator, and provide appropriate and up-to-date documentation to verify their disability or special needs. After the accommodations have been approved by the Disability Services Committee, the 504 Coordinator, will notify your professor(s) of the Committee’s decision. If you have any questions regarding reasonable accommodation or need to request disability-related services, please contact Disability Services at (334) 833-4556 or email disabilityservices@huntingdon.edu."