Dr. Lynne L. Snowden Spring, 2000
Office Hours: 10-11TTH & 10-12W Office # 208B S&B
Phone # - 962-3838
"The launching of the open covenant requires a new set of superordinate goals. . . and a willingness to take chances by stepping outside the standard way of doing things" ....Christopher Bates Doob, 1987.
"May you live in changing times." ...... A Chinese Curse
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Cultures and social systems are always in the process of change. As change occurs, violence is often present. When group violence happens, most social scientists now think of it as a predictable consequence of conflicts which parties cannot resolve peacefully. This course has the following goals:
(1) to describe and analyze the major forms of collective violence;
(2) to propose some solutions for resolving each of the topics; and
(3) to provoke a student awareness of the importance of social action and its consequences.
The course will be divided into five sections; the introduction, violence as strategy, contemporary forms of violence in America, including terrorism and war. We will also look at ways to control the use of violence - some solutions come from within a society as a result of seemingly spontaneous creativity, while others are consciously pursued by organized social control groups.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
There will be two exams, a midterm and a final exam (take-home) (60%), and a research project (25%). The remainder of the grade (15%) will come from class participation and exercises. Exams will integrate the textbook assignments with lecture materials. Questions will be multiple choice, short answer, or essay. It is very important that you read all assignments prior to class attendance since sociological concepts are more easily applied when one has a working knowledge of the terminology. No curve will be used. Letter grades, whose standards are established by UNC-Wilmington, will be assigned according to the policy listed in the Undergraduate Catalog, 1998-99. Attendance policy will be set by the professor according to the established procedures and roll will be taken on a random basis. Absences are not permitted on the day of an announced exam and make-up examinations will only be given with a doctorís excuse.
COURSE READINGS IN LIBRARY
PLEASE XEROX
LECTURES:
Introduction
A. Jan. 6 - Violence & Terrorism - An Introduction
Reading: Snowden, Chapter 1
B. Jan 11 - 18 The Relationship Between Collective Violence & Social Movements
Reading: Snowden, Chapter 2
Violence as Strategy- Terrorism
A. Jan. 20-27 "The Profile of Violence As Strategy"
Reading: Gamson - Library #1
B. Feb. 1-10 Domestic Terrorism/ Political Challengers
Reading: Snowden, Chapter 3
C. Feb. 15-24 State Terrorism Reading: Snowden, Chapter 4
D. Feb. 29 Review for exam
March 2 ******* MIDTERM EXAM *********
Contemporary Forms of Group Violence & Ways To Control It
March 3 - 13 ****** SPRING BREAK *******
A. March 14-21 Cults & Survivalists
Reading: Snowden, Chapter 5
B. March 23-28 Hate Groups: Gangs
Reading: Snowden, Chapter 6
C. March 30 Hate Groups: Militia
Reading: Library # 2
D. April 4-6 Hate Groups: Ethnic Conflict & Genocide
Reading: Snowden, Chapter 7
Understanding Mass Challenging Groups: Revolution & War
A. April 11-13 Groups That Challenge Authority: Riots & Rebellions
Reading: Library # 3
B. April 18 Groups That Enforce Authority: War
Reading: Library # 4
C. April 20 EASTER BREAK
Understanding Collective Violence: The Conclusion and A Beginning
April 25 - 27 Class Reports/ Evaluations
Take Home Part of Final Distributed