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STV4159B - The Ethics of War and Peace

Course content

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to three broad ethical questions. First, when, if ever, is recourse to arms legitimate (jus ad bellum)? Second, what constraints should apply to military conduct (jus in bello)? And third, how should wars end (jus post bellum)? These three questions will be systematically discussed by critically examining a selection of writings by historical and modern secular and religious thinkers. The empirical as well as the normative premises of their thinking, and their line of reasoning, will be discussed.

Learning outcomes

The goal of the course is twofold. First, the course makes you familiar with contemporary and historical approaches to important ethical questions on war and peace. Second, the course aims at developing your ability to undertake independent and systematic normative analysis of a wide range of questions concerning war and peace.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

Bachelor's degree in Political Science or equivalent.

Recommended prior knowledge

Bachelor's degree in Political Science or equivalent.

Teaching

The lectures will be given in a period of 5 weeks.

Criteria for access to teaching resources

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, contingent on available capacity.

Exam information

Participants will be evaluated on the basis of an essay of 15-20 pages.

In order to receive a passing grade on the essay, your topic will have to reflect the course readings and curriculum. All chosen topics should be approved by the course instructor before the deadline. An essay topic not reflecting the curriculum, will receive a failing grade (F).

Language of examination

It is generally possible to submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

See here for information about the regulations for justification of examination results and appeals.

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Other information

The course can be taken in either 10 (STV4159B)or 15 (STV4159) credit versions. This arrangement will last until the spring term 2007. The B-version (STV4159B) can be taken by all students. The A-version (STV4159) can only be taken by students who are under the old regulations. (See the transitionrules discussed under the presentation of the master´s program). Those who can take the A-version, must send an application to: Siv.haberg@stv.uio.no

The A-version differs from the B-version in that the syllabus for the former is 400 pages greater in length. In addition to the final exam and the take-home exam, students taking the A-version must also prepare an additional essay (10-15 pages), which is due 3 weeks after the first essay is turned in. Students taking the A-version will follow the same lectures and have the same exam date as those taking the B-version.

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