Monash University Handbook

When, if ever, is warfare justified? What about humanitarian intervention? What about violent revolution and terrorism? Why should civilians be protected in conflict? This unit will introduce students to theoretical approaches to the ethics of conflict that will allow them to answer these difficult questions. It will also serve to introduce students to basic ideas in moral and political philosophy. No background in philosophy is required: merely an interest in rational argument applied to global conflict.

Outcomes

Students successfully completing this unit will:

have a high level of understanding of the central ideas of just war theory
appreciate a wide variety of criticisms of just war theory
understand the connections between human rights and war
have developed the ability to apply theories of justice in conflict to actual cases from recent history
be able to develop and critically assess arguments about the justification of violence in the pursuit of political ends
have improved their ability to effectively communicate about complex issues in international affairs
have developed their ability to conduct independent research on topics of international justice.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 70% + Exam: 30%

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.