PO3WPE-War, Peace and International Ethics

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Maxime Lepoutre
Email: m.c.lepoutre@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines the ethical dimensions of war, peace, and interstate conflict. While this module focuses on issues within moral thought and theory, it does so with an eye to assessing real-world conflicts. Among the issues discussed are humanitarian intervention, strategic bombing, terrorism, the use of human shields, automated warfare, war crimes tribunals, and peace-making.  

Aims:

This module aims to introduce students to the main ethical theories of war, with a view to evaluating the justifications and tactics employed in real-world wars and peace-making processes. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:



• Explain the similarities and differences between just war theory, realism, and pacifism.

• Evaluate competing justifications for war, war-time tactics, and post-war peace-making processes, drawing on just war theory, realism, and pacifism.

• Develop and articulate clear logical arguments in favour of their ethical views.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to develop students’ capacity to examine and think about challenging texts, and to collectively discuss sensitive political issues in a mutually respectful manner.

Outline content:

Topics to be addressed will notably include:

• Pacifism, Realism, and Just War Theory


• Humanitarian war


• Civilian immunity


• Terrorism


• Automated warfare


• War crimes tribunals

This content is indicative and may be subject to minor changes.

Global context:

This module concerns issues of international ethics and also touches on international law; it concerns the interaction between states and between states and non-state bodies. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

For the seminars, all students are required to do preparatory reading and in which student presentations are followed by group discussion. Two hours revision class.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	15		2
Guided independent study:	123		50
Total hours by term	148	0	52
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 8-hour take home examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write one 3,000 word essay on a selected topic. Non-submitted essays will be awarded a mark of zero. This will account for 50% of the final module mark.

Visiting students who are enrolled for the entire academic year will follow the same assessments. Visiting students who are here for Autumn term only may take the module for half credit and will submit one 3,000 word essay.

Formative assessment methods:

Each seminar will begin with a student presentation, lasting five to ten minutes. Active participation in seminars is expected by all students.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

University-wide rules apply. 40% is the pass mark.

Reassessment arrangements:

Candidates who fail their final year normally have the right to be re-examined on one further occasion at the next opportunity. These candidates will not normally be eligible for Honours (ie., only a ‘Pass’ classification would be attainable). Students who are eligible for re-assessment have the right to re-assessment in all elements (coursework and re-examination) even if they have previously passed one of those elements. It is expected, however, that the majority of students would probably elect not to repeat an element in which they had already passed, in which case the confirmed marks would be carried forward.





Examination: Re-examination takes place in August/September of the same year.

 

Coursework: Failed or missing coursework should be re-submitted on Blackboard within the specified resubmission period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. Please note that the Library charges approximately 5p per photocopy

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023