Ethics of Violence: Reviewing Faith, State, & Society

This online synchronous course offers students the opportunity to critically examine the ways in which violence serves as both a constant backdrop and foundation to US culture and society. Through an understanding white supremacist capitalist imperialist patriarchy, students will learn how survivors of state and interpersonal violence have shaped the discourse around the ethics and propensity of violence in contemporary society.

In this interdisciplinary course, students will engage with theological perspectives on the ethics and use of violence while also exploring womanist and feminist critiques of power and the structures that allow violence to thrive. Students will also analyze pivotal historical moments, social movements, and current events, which will serve as case studies in understanding the deployment, representation, and discourse of violence.

To successfully pass the course, students will be tasked with completing reflection papers, journaling, class facilitation, and a final paper/project.

Intended audience: MDiv and MASC programs fulfilling the #4 Social Justice in the Public Square and #8 Theology MFC requirements and SKSM Threshold #6: Thea/ology in Culture and Context.

Max students: 20. Auditors excluded.