TimeDaysLocationInstructorGERCreditOPUS Class NumberSyllabus (Tentative)
10:40am-11:30am
MWF
White Hall 110
Fotion, Nicholas G. HAP. 41504 TBA.

August 29, 2012- December 11, 2012

Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Catalog Description: A study of ethical issues facing the military before war begins, as it is about to begin, and during war. [Prior to Fall 2010, this course carried the number PHIL 235.]

Semester Details:

This course will deal with what is called Just War Theory (a theory that seeks to answer such questions when is it morally appropriate for a nation to go to war and who may or may not be targeted once a war starts).  It will also deal with new technological developments in war.  Do robotic weapons change the rules of (just) war?  How about the ethics of electronic warfare? Has, for instance, the US already started a war since it is already attacking the electronic establishment in Iran and thus slowing down Iran’s development of atomic weapons?

Level of course.  This course is designed for upper class students.

Required Textbooks, Articles, and Resources

  1. Fotion, Nicholas . A New Just War Theory.
    ISBN: 9780826492593.
  2. Fotion, Nicholas . Terrorism: The New World Disorder.
    ISBN: 9780826492586.
  3. P. W. Singer. Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century.
    ISBN: 9780143116844.

Grading

Assignment/ExamDetails% of Total Grade
Two Exams plus a Final70%
Writing assignments 20%
Class Participation10%

The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.