Dave Barnhart's Academic Portfolio

The Ethics of War and Pacifism:

Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Reinhold Niebuhr

Instructor: David Barnhart
Semester: Fall, 1492
Location: 241 Yoyoma Hall
Course Website: http://www.institution.edu/barnhart/fall/rel2222
Office Hours: MWF 10-12:00
email: dbarnhart@university. edu
Office: 322 Poslethwaite Hall
phone:777-7777

Syllabus Contents:

1) Course Information, Course Description, Course Goals
2) Course Requirements
3) Honor Policy, Required Readings, Recommended Readings
4) Course Outline, Essential Dates
5) Course Schedule

Course Description:

Students will engage, over a fourteen-week course, a variety of Christian tradition perspectives on the ethics of war and pacifism. Since there is not really a corresponding "ism" to pacifism which is opposed to it (warism? warmongering?), we will examine just war theory instead. Students will be expected to grapple with questions such as: What constitutes a just war? Is violence ever necessary or sanctionable? Is pacifism a realistic position? Is either just war or pacifism supported by scripture, by Christian tradition, or by reasonable ethical imperative?

During the course we will examine two major Christian theologians of the 20th century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Reinhold Niebuhr. Each has both an early and a later theological perspective on war and pacifism, and we will trace the major themes of their thought and the events which shaped their understanding. We are not simply reciting the thoughts of others, though. As the class progresses, we will assimilate, critique, and create our own defensible positions on the ethics of armed conflict.

So that we may apply the theories and the ideas in class to concrete situations, students will have the opportunity to lead the class in four group presentations. A final paper based on the presentations may be substituted for a final exam.

Course Goals:

Explore Christian thought on war and pacifism with a focus on the writings of Bonhoeffer and Niebuhr
Critically examine the traditions of just war theory and pacifism which converge in the 20th century
Apply the theory learned in class to real historical and current events
Formulate a personal position on armed conflict and be able to defend it
Gain insight into the forces and situations which influenced the theologians we study

Requirements:

Individual performance will be evaluated by the following criteria.

Class participation (25%) - Attendance and active engagement in discussion are essential parts of this class. Please let me know ahead of time if you are going to miss class, and keep your group informed (since you will be working with them through the semester).

Two short papers (25%) - Since our focus will be on two major thinkers of the 20th century, in order to understand and assimilate their thinking we will be writing two short (3 page) papers on their ethical systems. These papers are not intended to be masterpieces of analysis. The first 1.5 to 2 pages are to be something more akin to an outline of their argument. The last page can be a critique of their thought or a reflection on the reading.

Group presentation (25%) - Group presentations will take up the first hour of the last four class sessions. Presentations are an opportunity to creatively process what we have learned over the semester as well as to research a special area in which you have some interest. Presentations may take the form of a drama, a multimedia program, a debate, a panel discussion, a lecture, or other creative enterprise. Subjects for presentation may include a historical look at a past war, conflict, or police or humanitarian action, an examination of a current event, a critique of a particular doctrine or theological theme, or a more thorough examination of a theologian we have discussed.

Group work offers its own challenges. All participants should contribute equally. Any conflicts around the distribution of labor or methods or ideology should first attempt resolution within the group (which is appropriate for a class discussing war). I will be glad to help in whatever way possible. Evaluations will be based on the quality of the research and the full group participation in educating the class.

Final paper or exam (25%) - A term paper (12-20 pages) on a subject presented in the group project may be substituted for a final exam. All students should schedule a time to talk to me about their papers before the final class. Writing is a learning process, and one that requires trial and error, so I will accept drafts before the due date. (Hint: all Focus questions are potential paper topics or exam questions!)

The exam option will consist of a written (essay) exam of four questions. Both paper and exam essays will be expected to demonstrate a firm grasp of the course material as well as critical thinking about the subject matter.

Honor System and Citing Research:

The institutional policy of the honor code will be strictly followed. Please cite all sources in your final paper by either footnoting or usmg professional standards (MLA, APA, etc.) The two short papers may use internal citation.

Required Readings:

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Ethics. New York: McMillan, 1955.
Niebuhr, Reinhold. Moral Man and Immoral Society. New York:: Scribner, 1960.
Selected readings from Aquinas, Niebuhr, Bonhoeffer, Weber, Durkheim, and newspaper clippings.

Recommended Readings:

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Cost of Discipleship. New York: McMillan, 1955.
Gibson, James W. Warrior Dreams: Paramilitary Culture in Post-Vietnam America. New York: Hill and Wang, 1994.
Niebuhr, Reinhold. The Nature and Destiny of Man Vol.1 &2.. New York: Scribner's, 1964.
Spiegelman, Art. Maus: A Survivor's Tale. New York: Pantheon, 1986.
Wuthnow, Robert. Meaning and Moral Order. Los Angeles: U. of California, 1987.

Basic Outline of the Course:

I. Framing the Problem

A. Basic ideas of war and peace
B. Aquinas
C. Thumbnail sketch of Christian traditions

1.The Reformation and "Christian conflict"
2. Pacifist traditions
3. Historical just war arguments

D. Brief history of warfare

II. Bonhoeffer

A. Biography
B. Thumbnail theology (incarnation, situational ethics)
C. Approaches to pacifism and war

III. Niebuhr

A. Biography
B.Thumbnail theology (anthropology original sin)
C. Approaches to pacifism and war

IV. Sociological perspectives

A. Weber & Durkheim

1. Systems
2. Evolution and sociobiology

B. Niebuhr
C. Bonhoeffer

V. Student Presentations

What is Due When

First short paper:
Second short paper:
Presentation:
Final Paper:
Exam:

Course Schedule:

Week One:

Framing the Problem: (1) Basic ideas of war and peace (2) Aquinas
Focus question: What are the traditions which make up our current ambivalence toward violence and warfare?
Readings: Aquinas handout, begin reading Ethics

Week Two:

Framing the Problem: (1) Thumbnail sketch of Christian traditions (The Reformation and "Christian conflict," Pacifist traditions, Historical just war arguments. (2) Brief history of warfare part 1
Focus question: How have our traditions changed through time?
Readings: continue reading Ethics

Week Three:

Framing the Problem: (1) Brief history of warfare part 2 (2) Short video of "Star Trek" episode, video clip from "Patriot Games," video clips of war movies
Focus question: Has the ethical issue of warfare itself changed over time? What were some of the issues involved in the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
Readings: finish Ethics

Week Four:

Bonhoeffer: (1) Biographical background, (2) Thumbnail theology: incarnation
Focus question: What are the themes of Bonhoeffer's Christology? What do they mean for the question of pacifism and war?
Readings: Begin reading Moral Man and Immoral Society
FIRST SHORT PAPER DUE

Week Five:

Bonhoeffer: (1) Thumbnail theology: situational ethics, (2) approaches to war
Focus question: How does the early Bonhoeffer differ from the later? Is his position(s) reasonable? Ethically viable?
Readings: Continue reading MM&IS
Assignment of small groups

Week Six:

Niebuhr: (1) Biographical background, (2) Thumbnail theology: anthropology.
Focus question: What are the themes of Niebuhr's anthropological approach? What do they mean for the pacifism/war question?
Readings: finish MM&IS

Week Seven:

Niebuhr: (1) Thumbnail theology: original sin, (2) approaches to war.
Focus question: How does the early Niebulir differ from the later? Is either position reasonable or ethically viable?
Readings: Weber handout, Durkheim handout, work on presentations
SECOND SHORT PAPER DUE

Week Eight:

Sociological Perspectives: (1) Weber: systems (2)Durkheim: evolution, modem sociobiology.
Focus question: How, if at all, were DB and RN influenced by Weber, Durkheim, and others in the emerging area of sociological thought? Is it possible/desirable to reconcile or assimilate this thought withChristian tradition?
Readings: None, work on presentations

Week Nine:

Sociological Perspectives: (1) Bonhoeffer and Niebuhr revisited (2)The impact of the 2nd World War.
Focus question: How have the wars of the 20th C. affected our ethics of war and pacifism? Our sociological theory? Our theology?
Readings: None, work on presentations

Weeks ten through thirteen:

STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
Readings: See research reading list. Research for your paper or prepare for exam!

Week Fourteen:

Conclusion: class discussion, course evaluation, hand in papers, free food!
Exam: date