Children and War

3 credits · Undergraduate

The aim of this course is to explore the many dynamics of conflict that affect children globally. The course will take both a thematic and case study approach. Currently, conflicts that occur are most often intra-state conflicts. The victims of such conflicts are disproportionately women and children. At the same time, the demographics of many of the most war-torn societies has led to increasing numbers of children being involved in the conflict. This course will aim to explore various aspects related to children and war. On the one hand, the course will discuss the effects of war on children. However, it will also discuss the involvement of children in the participation of war. In addition, what are the responsibilities of the International Community to protect and support children of war? What can we learn from the children that have survived in terms of their agency and resilience? What preventative measures can be taken to better ensure children do not fall victims to armed conflict? The course will also explore aspects of culture and its effects on solutions to the dynamics of children and war. In addition, students will learn about various types of child exploitation that make children vulnerable across the peace and wartime spectrum. PREREQUISITES: Classes in IDS and/or professor's permission. FORMATS: Lecture | Seminar