Description
The general aim of this course is to provide students with a strong foundation in the conceptual, strategic and ethical issues related to irregular warfare. Whilst looking at in-depth historical case studies of irregular warfare, the course will reveal how varieties of irregular warfare have risen to prominence during the twentieth century. This course will, in particular, trace the evolutionary phases of insurgency and counter-insurgency from the Maoist version of the “people’s war” in China to the development of a global jihad.
This seminar aims to introduce students to the sub-types of irregular warfare. It is useful to have a basic knowledge of twentieth century history, as this will comprise some of the case study subject matter discussed in this seminar, but this is not indispensable as background readings will be provided for any of the cases examined.
Objectives
On completion of this course students will demonstrate, amongst other things: – A comprehensive understanding of the conceptual issues associated with the definition and study of irregular warfare, and particularly, of insurgency and counter-insurgency. – An awareness of the competing theories and practices of irregular warfare. – An understanding of the kinds of predicaments, including political and ethical dilemmas, produced by irregular warfare activities. – Develop key research as well as written and oral skills through research papers and oral presentations in the seminar programme.
Lecture/Seminar Session Themes
- Introduction to course syllabus, definitions of irregular warfare, insurgency and terrorism, evolution and the legitimacy of warfare and political violence.
- Classic theories of insurgency/guerrilla war and counterinsurgency
- Nature of insurgent and counter-insurgent warfare
- Urban guerrilla warfare and terrorism.
- Caucasus Case Studies: Afghanistan (1979-89) and Chechnya (1994-96; 1999-Present).
- Asian Case Studies: Malaya and Vietnam.
- Middle East Case Studies: Algeria, Israel/Lebanon and Israel/Palestine.
- Contemporary Case Studies: Afghanistan, Iraq and the Global War on Terror.
Methods of instruction
This course is based on active student participation regardless of the specific session’s format. I see myself as a facilitator of your learning experience during this course. I do not have all the answers to the questions and dilemmas raised in this course. I will contribute with my expertise, of course, but I strongly encourage students to develop their own analytical skills by not only challenging much of the received wisdom about how to think about irregular warfare, but also by challenging my own expertise on this subject by engaging the vast literature on this subject as well as the specific empirical case studies of irregular warfare critically at all times.
Students are encouraged to ask generic questions that would normally constitute a “frequently asked question” in class or on the course discussion board provided by Blackboard, so that everyone may benefit. Those wishing to discuss personal matters or ask questions specifically relating to their coursework or course assessments or any other issue may do so during my office hours or by appointment.
Format
The course will normally be divided into two two-hour sessions each week.
The first session will consist of an introductory 2-hour lecture by the course instructor who will address the main issues and provide a general overview of the topic for that particular week’s discussion topic. The student will carry out general background reading prior to the lecture and will be encouraged to participate actively.
The second session will run on a seminar discussion format whereby selected students will provide oral presentations on the weekly seminar topic. Thereafter a structured discussion will take place under the moderation of both the presenters and the course instructor.
Occasionally some variation will occur in the teaching/learning format. Introductory lectures may be given by a guest lecturer. A number of illustrative films may be viewed. These films will reflect upon central themes and issues related to the course and also illustrate crucial background events. If possible, visits to or by relevant civilian staff or military units that have recently returned from a mission will take place.
Study material
Literature (approx. 1,000 pp)
Students will be required to purchase one or two core textbooks prior to the start of the seminar. A comprehensive course syllabus will be available at least a week before the start of the seminar.
Further reading will be available through the electronic journals database, Blackboard and through the reserved reading files in the library.
Students, in any case, will be encouraged to make full use of the resources available in the library and online that go beyond the course reading list.
Examination
Participation
It is expected that all students attend all lectures and seminars and participate actively in seminar discussions. If for legitimate reasons in your work or personal life you are unable to attend certain lectures or seminars, then you should contact your tutor beforehand or as soon as possible after your absence by e-mail. More than three unjustified absences may result in disciplinary action.
Methods of Assessment
Students will be required to give an oral presentation on one of the seminar discussion questions.
Students will also be required to hand in a 1,000-word research brief based on the same seminar question they presented on, the week following the session in which they give their oral presentation.
Students will be required, by the end of the seminar course, to write a 3,000-word research paper on one of the seminar discussion questions other than the one presented on. Alternatively, students are permitted to set their own question related to some theme on irregular warfare only through prior approval by the course instructor.
Students have the opportunity to write a short essay outline of 250-500 words and to seek some guidance by the course instructor before progressing with their 3,000-word research paper. However, the course instructor cannot review full or partial drafts as this would bestow an unfair advantage on students seeking such help.
The weight of each assessment on the final grade for the seminar course will be the following: – Oral Presentation: 10% – Research Brief: 20% – Research Paper: 70%
Plagiarism (and Academic Fraud)
According to Leiden University, “Generally, plagiarism is understood as presenting, intentionally or otherwise, someone else’s words, thoughts, analyses, argumentations, pictures, techniques, computer programmes, etc., as your own work. Since plagiarism is cheating, and because plagiarism by definition undermines the scientific enterprise, cases of plagiarism are taken very seriously by the university community and are punishable by sanctions. For students, these sanctions amount to a maximum of twelve months’ exclusion from all examinations. When a student has doubts about what constitutes plagiarism, he or she can always consult with the course instructor” (Regulations).
Further information will be provided in the course syllabus. I look forward to teaching you!
Time table
Monday October 27, till December 15, 11.00 a.m. -13.00 p.m in SA23 and (except December 8, instead of that meeting: Friday December 12, 9.00-11.00 a.m. in SA23)
Thursday October 30, till December 18, 15.00 – 17.00 p.m., in SA37