Extremism, Violence, and Radicalization
Instructor(s): Sam Olson*
half day
Minimum Enrollment: 8
Maximum Enrollment: 14
*This course is taught by a graduate of WSA who is an Honours History/Writing student at the University of Victoria specializing in research regarding paramilitary extremism.
This course aims to help students become conversant in topics relating to political and military extremism. While examining these subjects in a variety of historical contexts, this course primarily charts extremism from the beginning of the 20th century to the present, with a special emphasis on World War I and World War II.
What do people mean when they say “far-right” or “far-left”?
How might a person become “radicalized?”
How does violence become an ideology?
Through guided discussion, this course’s key themes will examine the processes of radicalization and understand how disinformation and various factors have historically played a part in creating extremist outlooks. This course will maintain an intellectually challenging but respectful environment. The course will in no way seek to identify or isolate students of varying political inclinations. At no point will students be asked to make their own (or their family’s) political beliefs known. The ability to engage in conversations around more volatile topics is an intriguing and excellent skill to put into practice. Join WSA alum, Sam Olson in this enlightening and igniting journey.