Violence, War and Terrorism

Subject PHIL90009 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 (1x 2 hour seminar each week)
Total Time Commitment:

10 hours a week

Prerequisites:

None.

Corequisites:

None.

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Students enrolling in this subject must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent.

Non Allowed Subjects:

None.

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Subject Overview:

Today, war is still a salient feature of international relations, while terrorism takes on ever more international character and scope. The subject will explore the philosophical - conceptual and moral - issues to do with violence, war, and terrorism. The central part of the subject will examine the main approaches to war: realism, consequentialism, just war theory, and pacifism. The subject will also discuss both the concept and the morality of terrorism, including state terrorism.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this subject will

  • have developed an understanding of the fundamentals of philosophical argumentation and theory.
  • be able to demonstrate a substantial knowledge of the area of Violence, War and Terrorism.
  • understand the theoretical sources of the key concepts in this area of study.
  • understand the application of these concepts to their professional field or study area.
Assessment:

A 5000-word research essay 100% (due at the end of semester).

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to pass this subject. Regular participation in class is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

To be advised

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • have improved their ability to integrate abstract moral and conceptual considerations with relevant empirical data.
  • have developed research and analysis skills to enable further study in the area of international justice at a higher academic level.
Links to further information: http://philosophy.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Course(s): Master of Arts (Professional and Applied Ethics)
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Ethics
Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Ethics
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of Arts in Professional and Applied Ethics
150 point program - full time over 18 months
200 point program - full time over 18 months
200 point program - full time over 24 months
200 points Master of Arts in Professional and Applied Ethics
International Justice

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