This course will focus on the dynamics and effective of conflicts over boundaries, territory, environmental resources, and civil and political rights. A geographic lens will be used to understand contemporary world conflicts. This course introduces students to an understanding of conflict as both grounded in localities and an effect of global interconnections ? political, economic, and cultural. The course will focus on six major contemporary conflicts. Students will become versed in the debates and possible options for solution of these problems. While lectures will provide students with an understanding of the coordinates of the conflicts, recitations sections provide an opportunity for discussion and debate. The readings are chosen to supplement lecture material, providing a greater depth of understanding of the issues at stake. Fulfills the Global Dynamics require ment of General Education.