Taught Masters Modules: POL6230 - Political Thought and the Rights of War and Peace

Level: MA
Credits: 30

Module Leader: Dr Alasdair Cochrane

Description

This module offers a critical engagement with the key debates in just war theory. It begins by examining two important schools of thought which object to the very idea of just war: pacifism and realism. The remainder of the module then addresses just war theory by exploring systematically its component parts: jus ad bellum (just cause for war); jus in bello (justice in war); and jus post bellum (the move from war to peace). In so doing, such controversies as humanitarian intervention, preemptive strikes, terrorism, the status of combatants and noncombatants, and the prosecution of war crimes are all examined in detail.

Objectives

This module aims to provide an in-depth examination of the rights of war and peace. By the end of the module, a student will:

• Have the ability to construct and criticise normative arguments in political thought;
• Have an in-depth understanding of the normative debates pertaining to the justifiabilty of war, the justified conduct of war, and the transition from war to peace;
• Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative, and transferable skills, including understanding complex concepts and theories, exercising critical judgement, making effective oral and written presentations, utilising specialist primary and secondary sources, and deepening the capacity for independent learning.

Assessment

• Essay One: 40%
• Essay Two: 60%