Resistance and Nonviolence, 7.5 Credits

Contents

 The course deals with strategies for non-military resistance against various forms of violence, threats and oppression. We examine how resistance has been conducted historically, but also what role resistance and nonviolence play in the development of society today. We look at research about the driving forces and consequences of resistance, and we discuss the relationship between pacifism as an ideology and nonviolence as practice.

Expected learning outcomes

For a passing grade the student must, in terms of knowledge and understanding, be able to 

• describe different forms of non-military resistance to violence, threats and oppression and give empirical examples of such resistance and 
• describe current research on resistance and nonviolence. 

For a passing grade the student must, in terms of skills and abilities, be able to 

• carry out an independent analysis of a historical or contemporary resistance campaign with the help of relevant theories, present the analysis in writing and critically and constructively review the work of others. 

For a passing grade the student must, in terms of values and attitudes, be able to 

• apply scientific, social and ethical perspectives on issues of resistance and nonviolence and 
• reflect on how resistance to violence, threats and oppression is linked to readiness for action for a sustainable society. 

Required Knowledge

30 ECTS in Peace and Conflict studies or equivalent 

Form of instruction

The instruction is provided in the form of lectures, seminars, group and individual exercises, as well as supervision. The methods of instruction are adapted to the expected study outcomes. Attendance is mandatory for seminars and group exercises. Those who are not present will be assigned additional tasks.

Examination modes

The examination of the course is conducted through mandatory seminars, a mandatory writing workshop, an individual report, and a commentator assignment. Presentation at the seminars is both oral and written, as well as individual and in groups. The seminars, writing workshop, and commentator assignment may result in the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G). The individual report may result in the grades Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG).  

General rules regarding examination 

A student who does not meet the requirements to pass an examination can, if decided by the course instructor, be given a complementary assignment to reach the requirements to pass the examination. The complementary assignment can be individually modified to the specific requirements that the student has failed to reach, but the assignment must be of corresponding proportion to the original examination. 

Ordinarily, the complementary assignment is given at the end of the course or when the grades at the original examination is announced. When the student has been given the complementary assignment, he/she should finish the assignment within ten days (not including weekends and holidays). If the student fail to finish the assignment within the required time, a new complementary assignment can only be given the next time the course is arranged, or during the two weeks of re-take exams the Department arranges every year during week 34 and 35. 

If it is not possible to do complementary assignments (if so, it is stated next to each individual examination above), the student is required to do a re-take exam. The first re-take exam should be given two months after the original examination, at the latest, but no sooner than ten days after the grade on the original examination has been given (not including weekends and holidays). If the examination is given during May or June, the first re-take exam should be given no later than three months after the original examination. Two weeks of re-take exams are also arranged every year, which means complementary assignments are treated during this time independently of when the course was given. These weeks are arranged during week 34 and 35. 

Students who fail an examination may retake that examination. A student has the right to request a new examiner if he/she fails two sub-course examinations (i.e. an examination and a re-take). In such cases students should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Studierektor). Examination in accordance with the same syllabus as during the original examination can be guaranteed for up to two years after the student's first registration. 

The appointed examiner may decide to use other forms of examination if required by particular circumstances. 

Other regulations

A written and anonymous course evaluation is given at the end of the course. During the course an oral evaluation is also arranged, and the student can also anonymously submit thoughts and opinions in digital form. 

Students who wish to transfer credits from other Departments or universities (Swedish or foreign) should do so in accordance to the Principal's decision "Tillgodoräknandeordning vid Umeå universitet (Dnr. 545-3317-02)". 

The application must be submitted in written form. The request should specify which module or course the request applies to. An official transcript should also be submitted. The transcript must include the following information: where and when the course was given, the discipline and level of the course, total course credits and grade received. A syllabus describing the course and a list of required readings should be submitted with the request. Where applicable, written research papers should also be submitted. 

Upon completion of this course, the credits can be transferred to a selective course. However it is always the responsible Department or program that determines the possibility for credit transfers and the extent of the credit transfer. The student should therefore always contact the responsible Department or program before submitting an application for credit transfers.