Critical Social Inquiry 0271 - Global War on Terror

Spring
2014
1
4.00
Falguni Sheth
10:30AM-11:50AM T,TH
Hampshire College
313839
Franklin Patterson Hall ELH
fasHA@hampshire.edu
SS 272 Global War on Terror The events following the attacks of September 11, 2001 were as shocking as the events of the actual day. The U.S. Attorney General's office created a new architecture for the way we treat suspected terrorists: Numerous anti-terrorism, surveillance, communications laws, material support statutes, and immigration restrictions, were passed. Various constitutional protections thought to be extended to all persons alike--citizens, legal residents, visitors, undocumented residents-were restricted. Is this framework an unprecedented response to a dangerous new world in which technology can be used remotely, religion functions as a commitment to certain modes of politics, and the government is trying to protect the safety of its citizens? What kinds of new paradigms does the War on Terror breed for us? Can we find this framework in other moments in history? In this course, we will read a range of historical, political, and theoretical materials in order to answer this question. Prefer that enrolled students have had one course in political philosophy, ethics, or legal or social theory.
Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing and group assignments.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.