Political Science 308
POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND REVOLUTIONS
Fall 2015
T TH 2-3:15
419 Pray Harrold
Instructor: Nevena Trajkov
Office: 601F Pray Harrold
Office Hours: Tuesday, Thursday 12:30-1:30
Office Telephone: 734.487.7786
E-Mail: ntrajkov@emich.edu
Course Description (from EMU’s catalogue)
Examines political violence and revolutions in comparative and international perspective. Considers
theories and cases of structural violence rooted in social injustice, diverse forms and motives of political
violence (such as war, rebellion, terrorism, ethnic conflict, national liberation); patterns and cycles of
violence and non-violent alternatives; and the dynamics of revolution.
Course Requirements
The course grade will comprise of three exams, participation and a paper. Grading breaks down as
follows:
Assignments
Exam I
8-Oct
Exam II
10-Nov
Final Exam
15-Dec
Paper
24-Nov
Participation
All Semester
TOTAL
GRADING SCALE
25%
25%
25%
15%
10%
A
AB+
B
BC+
92+
89-91
86-88
82-85
79-81
76-78
C
CD+
D
DF
69-75
67-68
64-66
60-63
55-59
<55
100%
Exams 75%
It is expected that you will be present for exams. Make-up exams will be considered only for
extreme circumstances, determined by the instructor.
Tardiness to an exam is unacceptable. If you are more than 15 minutes late to an exam, you will not be
allowed to take it.
All exams will be multiple choice/short answer essay. Due to the amount of information presented in
this course, the exams will not be cumulative but rather cover the material presented for the appropriate
period.
The final exam is required. Students who chose not to take the final will receive a failing grade for
the course. The final for this course will be 15 December from 1:30-3:00.
Paper 15%
Students are to write a 10-12 page case analysis in accordance with the one of the topics presented in
class. You should address the following:
1. Why the need to further explore this topic (PROBLEM)
2. What is the central QUESTION your paper focuses on?
3. What is/are your HYPOTHOSIS/HYPOTHESES?
4. What does the literature have to say about your question(s)? (LITERATURE REVIEW)
5. What are your VARIABLES?
6. Presentation of your selected cases
7. What are your FINDINGS?
8 What CONCLUSIONS can you make?
In order to assure that you are heading in the right direction, you must turn in your term paper
worksheet (attached) to me by 13 October. Failure to do so will result in a 5% deduction on your paper
grade. The purpose of this worksheet is to tell me about the case you are analyzing and how you will
approach the organization and research of this paper. Please note that the paper requires a minimum of
10 scholarly sources (e.g., websites, especially Wikipedia are not considered scholarly sources…yes,
you will have to go to the library or work from their website! http://www.emich.edu/library/)
The assignment should be in Times New Roman 12 font, double-spaced with 1inch margins.
Grammar is extremely important in your college career, so it will be a factor in your grade. When
referencing other material, it is required that you use appropriate APA citations. Here are a couple of
excellent websites to ensure a flawless reference list and avoid plagiarism:
http://www.emich.edu/library/help/citing.php
www.owl.english.purdue.edu
In addition, you may find it beneficial to take advantage of the EMU’s Writing Center. It has
helpful information posted online as well as the opportunity to meet with someone for a one-on-one
session. Drop in, one-to-one consulting on writing, research, and technology is available at the
Academic Projects Center , 104 Halle Library. The APC is open 11-5 Monday-Thursday.
http://www.emich.edu/english/writing-center/
The assignment can be handed in throughout the semester (please!), but has a deadline of 24
November 2015. Papers should be handed in as hard copies (electronic submissions will not be
accepted), stapled, and are due at the beginning of class. Late papers will not be accepted!
Attendance Policy/Participation 10%
There is quite a bit of information to be covered and attendance to lecture is the best way to absorb and
retain the material presented. However, understanding life can sometimes bring disruptive events, you
are each allowed 3 absences. More than three absences will result in a deduction of 1/3 a letter grade
(e.g., you could have had an “A” but it is now reduced to an “A-“). Each additional accumulation of 3
absences further reduces the grade (e.g., 6 absences results in a B+ for participation and so on) Any
absences due to religious holidays should be made known to me at the beginning of the semester and
will not count.
Tardiness Tardiness in excess of 15 minutes will be regarded as an absence. If you have special
circumstances or a situation, please discuss them with me.
Participation is a portion of your grade and discussion is highly encouraged. That being said, there are
a few “rules” I would like to implement:
1. Arrive on time or endure the above mentioned consequences
2. Do not depart prior to the end of the discussion. Your attendance will not be honored.
3. Be respectful and open minded to other opinions (in political discussions, this can be a
struggle!) In other words, please behave civilized.
4. Side “chatter” is prohibited. This includes cell phone use and “texting”. Please have cellular
phones turned off.
Access to Course Material
All course material, including the syllabus, PowerPoint slides and reviews, are posted on EMU Canvas.
Eastern Michigan University Code of Conduct/Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty of any sort (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) is strictly prohibited and is not tolerated.
Violators will be reprimanded appropriately. Please reference the University Academic Integrity
website for unacceptable behavior.
http://www.emich.edu/campuslife/myfy/academics/academicintegrity.php.
Special Needs/Accessibility
If you are registered with the EAS office and require special accommodations, please see me so that we
can set up appropriate arrangements.
CLASS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
DATE
ASSIGNMENT
Introduction/Syllabus
8 Sept
UNIT I: State Violence: “Legal” Violence: Introduction
10 Sept
Colonialism, Repression, and Independence Movements
15 Sept
Minority Repression
17 Sept
Political Repression: Communism
22 Sept
Political
Repression: Authoritarian Governments
24 Sept
UNIT II: Society Violence: Revolution Basics
29 Sept
Types of Revolutions
1 Oct
Civil
Wars: They’re different
6 Oct
EXAM I
8 Oct
13 Oct Resistance Movements: Violent/Non-Violent; WORKSHEET DUE
Rebellions
15 Oct
UNIT III: Intra-Societal Violence: Introduction
20 Oct
Class Violence
22 Oct
Ethnic Violence, Genocide
27 Oct
Documentary
29 Oct
Documentary
3 Nov
Religious Violence
5 Nov
EXAM II
10 Nov
LIBRARY:
MEET AT HALLE
12 Nov
UNIT IV: Other Violence: Introduction, Coup d’état
17 Nov
Domestic Terrorism
19 Nov
TERM
PAPER
DUE, HARD COPY – NO CLASS
24 Nov
International Violence: Main Causes of War
1 Dec
Resource Wars
3 Dec
International Terrorism/Counter Terrorism
8 Dec
10 Dec
Wrap-Up
FINAL EXAM IS 15 DECEMBER 1:30 p.m.
Please be advised that the syllabi dates, topics, readings, and related activities, may be subject to
change and readjustment at my discretion
Please note these important dates:
17 September: Last date to withdraw with 100% refund
16 November: Last date for individual class withdrawal with a "W" grade (no refund)