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Princeton University

Paradoxes of War

Princeton University via Coursera

Overview

The Paradoxes of War teaches us to understand that war is not only a normal part of human existence, but is arguably one of the most important factors in making us who we are. Through this course, I hope that you will come to appreciate that war is both a natural expression of common human emotions and interactions and a constitutive part of how we cohere as groups. That is, war is paradoxically an expression of our basest animal nature and the exemplar of our most vaunted and valued civilized virtues. You will learn some basic military history and sociology in this course as a lens for the more important purpose of seeing the broader social themes and issues related to war. I want you to both learn about war, but more importantly, use it as way of understanding your everyday social world. So, for example, the discussion of war and gender will serve to start you thinking about how expectations of masculinity are created and our discussion of nationalism will make clear how easy “us-them” dichotomies can be established and (ab)used. I will suggest some readings for you to complement the class and assign some activities through which you will be able to apply the theoretical insights from the course to your observations of everyday life. At the end of the course, you will start to see war everywhere and come to appreciate how much it defines our life.

All the features of this course are available for free. It does not offer a certificate upon completion.

Taught by

Miguel Centeno

Reviews

4.4 rating, based on 12 Class Central reviews

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  • Anonymous

    Anonymous completed this course.

    Paradoxes of War: Through the topic of war, this course presents a well-rounded sociological perspective of the social, cultural, economic, and power influences that determine the nature of war and the composition of militaries in the Western world and learn how institutions and behaviors are constructed. The material Professor Miguel Centeno has collected over 15 years is exciting and elucidating as he continually asks “why." After each video lecture, I wanted to go straight ahead to the next one.
  • Anonymous

    Anonymous completed this course.

    Great class according to its objective, to study wars from a sociological point of view. There is perhaps a need for a deeper review from the military point of view and the eastern form of conflict, but such matters are beyond the scope of the course as the teacher says. It aroused curiosity on various subjects and will certainly help me in the masters!
  • Anonymous

    Anonymous completed this course.

    I am a Vietnam Veteran and I think this class is very profound and enlightening. I am enjoying it immensely.
  • Taich

    Taich completed this course, spending 3 hours a week on it and found the course difficulty to be medium.

    A fascinating overview of how methods of war developed in the western hemisphere. Enthusiastic professor who kept my interest by presenting ideas concisely and coherently.
  • Denise Boal

    Denise Boal completed this course, spending 4 hours a week on it and found the course difficulty to be medium.

    I completed this course a few years ago. I found the teacher to be engaging and easy to follow. I recommend this course to everyone.
  • Martin Dunn completed this course.

  • Tonolmo completed this course, spending 3 hours a week on it and found the course difficulty to be easy.

  • Maile Kennaugh

    Maile Kennaugh completed this course.

  • Joe Poupard completed this course.

  • Brennan Mccloney

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  • Umut Güner completed this course.

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