Course overview
Wars, invasions, cultural conflict and survival are features of the 21st century, affecting collective existence as well as the most intimate dimensions of personal life. This course provides students with an introduction to the complex social and cultural dimensions of conflict, social trauma, peace, reconstruction and reconciliation efforts. It begins with the foundational questions of why do people and cultural groups find themselves in conflict with one another, why is peace so elusive, and why do we care? The course reviews a range of theories exploring the nature and causes of conflict, the deep roots that cause conflict to prevail, cross-generational engagements with ongoing conflict, possibilities for conflict resolution, healing, agonism and the foundations of peace. International case studies will be introduced, and time will be spent reflecting upon these questions relative to the Australian nation.