CDSn4002:
POLITICAL VIOLENCE
INTRODUCTION &
WELCOME
MIRIAM MATEJOVA, PHD
FEBRUARY 19, 2024
Agenda
 Introductions
 Syllabus and course overview
Introductions
1. Who are you?
2. What are you hoping to get out of this
course?
Required Literature
 The required course
readings are available
through the course
online system or
 the library:
https://knihovna.fss.muni.
cz/
Course website
 We have a course website through MUNI
Information System (IS): https://is.muni.cz/?lang=en
 On the website you will find the readings as well as
course announcements, slides, and the syllabus.
 Lecture outlines will be posted once a week
 You are responsible for regularly checking the
website.
Syllabus overview
 Assignments:
1) In-class group work
2) Critical reflection
3) Final exam
In-class group work [20 points]
 20 minutes, groups of two to three students, TWICE
 Prepare and present a critical response to the assigned
readings for that week.
 Initiate a discussion with the rest of the class.
Self-reflection [10 points]
 A one to two-page reflection on your understanding of political
violence as it relates to your everyday life, including the things
you read (or listen or watch) for class(es), work, or leisure.
 Two parts, each worth 5 points for a total of 10 points.
 One reflection at the beginning of the course (in week 2) DUE FEB 26 in
the IS
 One reflection at the end of the course (week 12 – DUE MAY 6 in the IS).
In this second reflection you must link your thoughts to the assigned class
readings.
Final exam [40 points]
 Written test after the course concludes
 4 short-answer questions
 10 points each
 Covers required literature and lectures
Grade distribution
 A: 70-64 points
 B: 63-57 points
 C: 56-51 points
 D: 50-46 points
 E: 45-42 points
 F: 41 points and less
Course overview
 Who are the perpetrators and victims of political violence?
Why does political violence occur? What are its political
impacts?
 Part I: the core concepts in the study of political violence,
including different types of such violence along with
perpetrators and victims.
 Part II: select types of direct political violence
 Part III: select types of structural political violence
Course objectives
 Identify and critically evaluate major theories,
hypotheses, and debates on causes, types, and impacts
of violence used for political goals.
 Critically assess theoretical approaches and research
methods linked to the study of political violence.
 Evaluate different justifications for the use of political
violence.
WEEK 2 TASKS
 Read the syllabus
 Sign-up for the readings (a Google Sheet will be emailed to you
today – check your MUNI e-mail)
 Prepare your critical response if you sign up for week2
 Critical reflection #1
Questions?