Course description for IRAQ MINICOURSE

RCIDIV 350 Section 2 "Iraq: One Year Later"
Credits: 1
Grading: CR/NC
Instructor: Helen Fox, faculty, area activists
Day and time: Tuesdays 7-9 PM from March 9 through April 20, 2004
Room: 126 East Quad

What is the current situation in Iraq and what events of the last year have been most critical for shaping current developments? Viewed a year later, what do we make of administration claims that the Iraq war was needed to stop terrorism, reduce the danger of unconventional weapons, and spread democratic values? How valid are arguments by the left that the real reason for the war is global control of oil? What are the effects of the war on Iraqis themselves? On the surrounding "neighborhood"? On the U.S.? What are some possible exit strategies? What impact will our new foreign policy have on U.S. relations with other countries in the future? These and many other questions will be explored through featured speakers, panels, and debates among scholars and activists from the U of M and surrounding communities. Students will be invited to pose questions of all presenters and come to their own conclusions about the ethics and effectiveness of the "pre-emptive" war in Iraq. Requirements: readings, attendance at five out of seven sessions; detailed notes from five sessions, a final five to seven page paper on the student's own position in response to key questions raised in the course.