DSPO 27A65 - Social Dynamics of Conflicts and Violence

This course offers a critical reflection on the contributions of the social sciences to the understanding of conflicts and violent dynamics. Adopting a comparative approach, it seeks to examine social dynamics across multiple scales—local, national, and international. The course also explores both the practical and theoretical boundaries between war and peace, as well as the periods of rupture that lead to large-scale violence.

Reading and Discussion of Presentations (25%) :

Each session will begin with a discussion of the required reading, led by students previously designated for that task. A connection must be made with current events and the supplementary reading listed in the syllabus. All students are expected to have read the assigned text in advance.

Final Exam (75%) :

Midterm assessment – a written essay, to be chosen from two transversal topics covered during the course.