Tag(s)
J, PA, GC, WP
Admission Requirements
Essentials of Journalism and/or Literature of War Journalism. Students that do not meet this prerequisite should contact the instructor regarding the required competencies before course allocation.
Description
This reading-intensive course will study the main conflicts that have occurred in the first decade of the 21st century. The course will concentrate on 9/11 and the wars in its aftermath – the “war on terror” and the American-led conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The various conflicts that have beset Africa and the uprisings that have taken place in the Arab world will also be studied.
Course Objectives
To give a clear insight into the conflicts that have occurred in the first decade of the 21st century
To give an understanding of what war journalism today entails and what it can achieve – both positive and negative
To give an understanding of the different techniques of reporting, interviewing and writing and of disseminating news in the internet era
Mode of Instruction
There will be weekly lectures on a particular conflict and in the other class student-led discussions about one of the wars covered in the course. Students will be expected to read at least one book every week and write a short, 600-800 word essay every week.
Assessment
Assessment: In-class participation
Percentage: 20%
Deadline: Ongoing Weeks 1 – 7
Assessment: Weekly essays (600-800 words)
Percentage: 10% each
Deadline: Weeks 2 – 7
Assessment: Final research essay (1000 words)
Percentage: 20%
Deadline: Week 8
Literature
Disordered World – Amin Maalouf
Zinky Boys – Svetlana Alexievich
War – Sebastian Junger
The Good Soldiers – David Finkel
A Long Way Gone – Ishmael Beah
War Is A Force That Gives Us Meaning – Chris Hedges
Contact Information
avlynden@yahoo.co.uk
Weekly Overview
- 9/11
- Afghanistan
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Africa
- Arab Uprisings
- War in the 21st Century
Preparation for first session
Any reading on 9/11 and the “war on terror”