Prospectus

This course examines the interrelationship between torture and democracy, examining the demand for torture and the supply of torture techniques.  On the demand side, the course examines the different ways the demand for torture arises in democratic contexts and the explanations for this demand.   On the supply side, the course examines what factors shape the transmission of torture techniques and whether democratic life exerts any independent effect on the kinds of techniques that are used.  Central questions include: How does torture appear in democracies in the past and present? How do states organize and regulate torture? How do torture techniques spread?  How does torture work?

Format and Expectations

This is an advanced course in the social sciences. Your class reading may vary from one article/chapter of 25 pages (which I expect will require close reading) to four articles approximating about 100 pages. The main skill focus of the class will be on delivering social scientific argument, that is, your ability to organize and present empirical argument in a persuasive manner. The main writing requirement will be two literature reviews. You will receive a separate handout on this later.  There will also be a short quiz early in the semester. My preferred mode of communication with you will be e-mail so check your email regularly.

Conferences, by their nature, are discussions that can run in many directions. I have no interest in constraining your thoughts and reflections, but rather pushing them to their logical conclusions. In light of this commitment, it would be premature for me to insist on a rigid timetable of readings for the course.  Moreover, this course is unusual because the main reading for it is a manuscript.

Therefore, during each class, I will consider where we are and what we need to consider. I will then determine what the next set of readings are based on your conference participation.  Be cautioned that I may think it worthwhile not to read anything but rather to ask you to write your thoughts on paper for the following class.  This may occur for several conferences in a row until we are done thinking about the topic.

Constructive conference participation will be expected throughout the course as well as timely submission of writing assignments. These expectations will include taking turns giving presentations and occasional writing assignments for conference discussion.  I will be circulating a sign up sheet at the next session, so think about your work schedule.  In order to facilitate conference discussion, I may give lectures but this I hope will be infrequent.