This course introduces research on the causes and consequences of contemporary armed conflict and also serves as an introduction to economic studies of terrorism.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
Understand Conflict Dynamics
- Explain how social, political, and economic factors contribute to the onset, persistence, and consequences of political violence and armed conflict in developing countries.
- Describe the goals and strategies of armed actors and identify ways to prevent violent conflict and reduce its impact on affected populations.
Apply Analytical Tools
- Analyze data commonly used in development economics to examine the trends in and causes and consequences of political violence and armed conflict.
- Interpret and critically assess empirical findings related to political violence, armed conflict and post-conflict recovery.
- Use game-theoretical models to explore the logic of terrorism and counterterrorism strategies.
Engage with Research and Methods
- Identify key research questions and debates in the study of armed conflict and terrorism.
- Understand the methodological approaches, both qualitative and quantitative, used to study these issues.
Communicate and Develop Ideas
- Effectively communicate insights through discussions, written assignments, and presentations.
- Develop independent research interests by selecting readings and participating in peer-led discussions and projects.
World Development Report 2011: Conflict, Security, and Development (English). World development report| World development indicators Washington, DC : World Bank Group. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/966731468161352341
Other required course materials will be made available digitally via Georgia Tech library service “Reading List” that enrolled students can access for free via course Canvas site.
Key recommended texts:
Collier, Paul. "Breaking the conflict trap: civil war and development policy", Washington, DC: World Bank; [New York]: Oxford University Press, c2003. (available via GT library in electronic form).
Enders, Walter and Todd Sandler. "The Political Economy of Terrorism", Cambridge [England]; New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Assignments
- Presentation: 10% of final grade
- Projects: 35% of final grade
- Exams: 40% of final grade
- Participation: 15% of final grade
A: 90-100
Exceptionally good performance - demonstrating a superior understanding of the subject matter, a foundation of extensive knowledge, and a skillful use of concepts and/or materials.
B: 80-89
Good performance - demonstrating capacity to use the appropriate concepts, a good understanding of the subject matter, and an ability to skillfully handle the problems and materials encountered in the subject.
C: 70-79
Adequate performance - demonstrating an adequate understanding of the subject matter, an ability to handle relatively simple problems.
D: 60-69
Minimally acceptable performance - demonstrating at least partial familiarity with the subject matter and some capacity to deal with relatively simple problems but also demonstrating serious deficiencies.
F: 0-59
Unacceptable performance. Has not demonstrated familiarity with the subject matter, nor the capacity to deal with simple problems in a manner recognizable to the consensus of mainstream academic practitioners within the field.
Attendance and participation are essential to your success in this course. You are expected to attend class in person and actively engage in class. Not attending a scheduled class session in-person results in an absence.
There may be times when you cannot or should not attend class, such as if you are not feeling well, have an interview, or have family responsibilities. Therefore, this course allows a specified number of absences without penalty, regardless of reason. After that, penalties accrue. Exceptions are allowed for Institute-approved absences (for example, those documented by the Registrar) and situations such as hospitalization or family emergencies (documented by the Office of the Dean of Students).
Your instructor can communicate with you about how to access materials or make-up work you may have missed during your absence or suggest ways to participate in class asynchronously. Students may miss a total of three (3) classes over the course of the semester without penalty. Each additional absence after the allotted number deducts 2% from a student’s final grade.
Students are expected to adhere strictly to the honor code. Copying, cheating and plagiarism (copying sections of a text and passing it as your own work) are unacceptable. Discussion of projects and homework is acceptable and even encouraged, but answers to the problems should be completed individually. If you engage in plagiarism or any other form of academic misconduct, you will fail the assignment in which you have engaged in academic misconduct and be referred to the Office of Student Integrity, as required by Georgia Tech policy. We strongly urge you to be familiar with these Georgia Tech sites:
- Honor Challenge — https://osi.gatech.edu/students/honor-code
- Office of Student Integrity — http://www.osi.gatech.edu/index.php
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcomes:
- Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social or geographic relationships develop, persist or change.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Intercultural Competence
- Perspective-Taking
- Persuasion