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TRN152Y1: Justice and Global Conflict

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Modern states face both new and familiar challenges to protecting national security. National insecurity threatens a country’s capacity to protect the well-being of its citizens while at the same time participating in international organizations and treaties. This course explores the origins and management of international conflict from the 17th to the 21st century, focusing on the precursors to war and the markers of peace. We will also consider the ways in which our current global world order promotes and preserves justice between and within nations. Students will consider different theoretical approaches to justice between nations, and apply them to recent security issues. By studying the history of conflict and the difference between justice and injustice students will gain a deeper understanding of how current geopolitical actors can structure and affect the prospects for security policy reform moving forward.

Breadth Requirement: 0.5 FCE 2) Thought, Belief and Behaviour + 0.5 FCE 3) Society and Its Institutions

HOW WILL I BE EVALUATED?

TRN152Y1 will require students to analyze and discuss several readings every week as it relates to a different theme within Justice and Global Conflict. Readings in class will consider a variety of events that span the entire world, in order to give students a strong international perspective. Assessment includes:

Weekly participation
Book or document review
Literature review
Major essay
Final exam

Note: Assignments may vary from year to year.

WHAT WILL I GAIN FROM THIS COURSE?

This seminar course is designed to explore the complex dynamics between human rights, principles of justice, and the realities of conflict: focusing on both historical and contemporary international events. We tackle an array of challenging, interconnected themes, including colonialism, nationalism, radical ideologies, revolution, war, genocide, and sovereignty. The course provides an expansive and wide-ranging context for the study of international relations through global history, with an interdisciplinary approach. Particular attention is given to how nations and the international order have developed, or failed to develop, norms to preserve and promote human rights and “universal” justice. Using a “global lens” wherever possible, this course will facilitate an understanding of multiple – sometimes disagreeable – perspectives: challenging simplistic narratives of the extremely complicated ideas and events that have shaped the modern world.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How should I prepare for this course?

You are not expected to come into this course with any prior knowledge of the course material! However, it could be beneficial to do some passive research into major global conflicts throughout history, in order to ease yourself into the course.

What if I am nervous about speaking in class?

Like all Trinity One courses, TRN152Y1 lasts a full year, which will give you plenty of time to develop your confidence to speak in class. Professor Kislenko is very cognizant of students who want to speak but feel too nervous and strives to create a comfortable atmosphere. Additionally, there is feedback given halfway through the course about participation which can be used to gage improvement.

2023-2024 COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Arne Kislenko, PhD

Arne Kislenko is also a professor in the history department at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson). Several times he has been a Visiting Professor at the Freie Universitat Berlin. He teaches modern international relations, including courses on the world wars, the Cold War, the history of espionage, the history of terrorism, the Vietnam War, and modern Southeast Asia.

His books, book chapters, and articles cover a wide range of topics in modern international relations history and contemporary intelligence/international security studies. He also serves as an editor for the prestigious journal Intelligence and National Security. Before academia, Professor Kislenko served for 12 years in the federal law enforcement and intelligence community, dealing with many high profile cases. Since that time, he has served as a consultant to the government on national security matters. He also acts as an historical advisor and developer for TV/media programmes and various educational organizations.

Interesting fact: He was the host of the National Geographic documentary TV series Living in the Time of Jesus, and has worked on and behind the camera for numerous other international television projects. He appears regularly in the media commenting on intelligence and security issues, current international affairs, and modern diplomatic history.

Contact Us:

Sharon Reid
Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program Coordinator (Acting)
trinityone@trinity.utoronto.ca

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