ICAR Increases Number of Summer Course Offerings

In Summer 2007, ICAR will launch some new courses along with unique offerings that address special topics. For more information on these course or to register, contact Julie Shedd, [email protected].

CONF 240 Social Dynamics of Terrorism
Terrorism is a significant factor in conflict worldwide, yet the underlying causes and conditions that give rise to terrorist activity are often misunderstood and misrepresented. Through case studies of terrorist groups around the world, this course presents students with an analytic framework to account for terrorist acts and organizations. Course lectures and materials will also explore the various social dynamics underlying the development of terrorism and responses to it. Topics include but are not limited to: defining terrorism, recruitment into violent groups, dynamics of terrorist organizations, counterterrorism and human rights concerns, the role of religious and political ideologies in terrorism and counterterrorism, media coverage of terrorism, and impacts of terrorism on social structures and processes.
B Session (June 4- July 23), MW 1:30-4:10 pm

CONF 393: Philosophy, Conflict Theory and Violence
Examines the ways in which world religions play a role in conflict and conflict resolution. Investigates the ways each religion’s values, world view, and hermeneutics can influence strategies for successful conflict interventions.
C Session (July 2- July 31), M-R 9:30-11:45 am

CONF 695 Terrorism and Conflict Resolution
At the completion of the course students will be able to analyze terrorist conflicts and develop intervention strategies. Students will apply basic concepts of conflict analysis and resolution and terrorism studies to terrorist conflicts. Students will apply analytical models to cases of terrorism and will explore the sources, dynamics, interventions, and outcomes of terrorist conflicts. Students will work in groups to develop an analytical case study of a terrorist conflict (submit a paper) and they will also present their case in class (in-class presentation). If time permits, through a simulated exercise, students will practice communication, problem solving, and negotiation skills to intervene in a tactical situation in a wider terrorist conflict (i.e. parade dispute negotiation in Northern Ireland during the Troubles).
X Session (June 8- June 23) Fri & Sat 9:00 am- 6:00 pm Class Meetings on 6/8-6/9 and 6/22-6/23

CONF 695 Conflict Resolution and Peace Making in Islam
The course aims to explore the various means Islam utilizes to solve disputes and settle conflicts between individuals, spouses, groups and states. It aims also to discuss the question of war and peace, Jihad ,dealing with the enemy, dealing with Jews and Christians as people of the book ,peace treaties, prisoners of war ,and the status of religious minorities in the Islamic state.
X Session (June 4- July 6) TR 4:00-8:00 pm

CONF 695 International Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism: Strategy & Dynamics
Using readings from the asymmetric war, social movement and conflict literatures, this course will: provide an introduction to the concepts of terrorism and counter terrorism, help students explore the different ways in which terrorists and counter-terrorists organize and strategize, approach the problem of amassing support, engage in conflict and, in some cases, work to resolve their conflicts, and give students tools to evaluate a range of policies and strategies in the fight against terrorism To facilitate learning, students will work in teams to undertake independent research on interactions between terrorist and counterterrorist groups in different regions of the world. In other words each student will become an expert on terrorism and counterterrorism in one region. Students will also become familiar with existing terrorism databases and how to use them for research and evaluation. X
Session (July 13- July 28) Fri & Sat 9:00 am- 6:00 pm Class Meetings on 7/13-7/14 and 7/27-7/28

CONF 708 Identity and Conflict
Explores complex interrelations of social identity and postmodern conflicts in society with the emphasis on the role of identity in processes of conflict resolution and transformation. Critical rethinking of ethnic, national and religious identities as both generators and outcomes of conflict are an important part of the course. Extends knowledge on structure and dynamics of identity-based conflicts and develops a framework for their resolution. Course includes lectures, simulations, and case studies.
A Session (May 21- June 20) MWF 4:30- 7:30 pm