Student Evaluation: This is a seminar-based course based on problem based learning to actively engage students in the learning process. Each student will need to complete required readings, the weekly critical reading assignments and come to class prepared to discuss the main issues. In addition there will be four short essay assignments, a data assignment and students will be expected to lead a discussion on a reading topic. Assignments have to be typed and handed in at the start of the class the day they are due for full credit. Each student is required to pick a war-affected country as a case study that they follow throughout the course. Late assignments will receive grade penalties. Reading comprehension is an important component of university education. Students are required to complete weekly critical reading assignments that summarize and engage students with the material. A ‘reading for meaning’ worksheet will be uploaded onto Blackboard to guide student responses to the required readings. Submission of critical reading assignments will be through Blackboard. The four essay assignments and data assignment will be explained in class and a worksheet and grading rubric will be given four weeks before the deadline. There will be small group classroom time devoted to all the assignments. Additionally, students are encouraged to meet with me in my office hours to get individualized feedback. Grading The final course grade is determined as follows: + 5% attendance and participation + 5% discussion facilitator for one topic + 20% critical reading response assignments + 20% data assignment + 50% 4 short essay question assignments Grading Scale for the course: A = 93, A- = 90, B+ = 87, B = 83 B- = 80, C+ = 77, C = 73, C- = 70, D+ = 67, D= 63, D- = 60 Attendance is mandatory. If a student misses more than 8 classes in the semester they will automatically fail the course. Important Note: Students must have access to their UMB e-mail. All messages will come via UMB e-mail. Required Texts (available at UMB bookstore): Cramer, Chris. 2006. Violence in Developing Countries. Bloomington, Indianapolis: Indiana University Press (~$24)
Morris, Ian. 2012. “The Evolution of War”. Cliodynamics: The Journal of Theoretical and Mathmatical History. Vol 3(1). World Bank. 2011. World Development Report 2011: Conflict and Development. Washington, DC: World Bank. (Ch1) Class Exercise: Are Countries Poor Because They Are Violent or Violent Because They Are Poor? The Economics of Violence Films: The Fog of War (2003) Men with Guns (1997) War Redefined (PBS 2011) Topic: Why Wars Are Waged The politics of analyzing conflict Theories and causes of war The reasons for wars Greed vs. Grievance debate Violence and capitalism Learning Outcomes: Define how war is measured and who collects data on violent conflicts. Ability to find, use and display data on violent conflicts. Explain the differences in Neo-classical and Marxian economic theory in explaining the causes of war. Compare and contrast the greed versus grievance economic literature in explaining civil war. Explain how to interpret econometric results in an empirical paper. Readings: Bardhan, P. 1997. "Method in the madness? a political-economy analysis of the ethnic conflicts in less developed countries." World Development 25(9): 1381-1398. Boswell, T. and W. J. Dixon. 1993. "Marx's Theory of Rebellion: A Cross-National Analysis of Class Exploitation, Economic Development, and Violent Revolt." American Sociological Review 58(5): 681-702. Collier, Paul and A. Hoffler. Greed and Grievance in Civil War. Oxford Economic Papers (2004) 56 (4): 563-595. Coyne, Chris and Rachel Mathers. 2011. The Handbook on the Political Economy of War. Northampton: Edward Elgar. (Ch 1, 2) Cramer, Chris. 2006. Violence in Developing Countries. Bloomington, Indianapolis: Indiana University Press (Ch 3 & 6)