GOVT 388 Ethics, Just War, and Use of Force

This course introduces undergraduate students to the components of Just War Theory – jus ad bellum, jus in bello, and jus post bellum. In addition to providing an understanding of the history and religious foundations behind international use of force protocols, this course considers age-old questions about Christian involvement in war.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*

*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


This course provides the bedrock for understanding the biblical purposes and functions of the military and national defense. For students studying national security and intelligence, it is essential they hold knowledge of the rich history of political theology on questions of when war is morally justifiable and how it should be conducted.


Textbook readings and lecture notes

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (6)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. For the Discussions, the student will post a thread presenting their own opinion on the assigned topic, writing at least 300 words. Additionally, the student will post replies of at least 50 words to 2 other students’ threads. All threads and replies must be in current APA format.

Essay Assignments (2)

Essays are exercises in persuasive writing. In every academic and professional setting one may find themselves in, one will be expected to write (and speak) persuasively. Writing (and speaking) persuasively is a skill that the student can develop and master. To master this skill, one must become adept at: stating clearly what position they want their reader (or listener) to adopt; using evidence confidently and convincingly to support that position; and drawing compelling conclusions from the evidence. The student will write two essays engaging in the topics of Just War and Ethics. The Essay: Just War and Moral Choices Assignment will be 1,500 to 2,000 words in length, not including any title page or works cited. The Essay: Just War and Moral Counsel Assignment will 2,000 – 2,250 words in length, not including any title page or works cited.


Top 1% For Online Programs

Have questions about this course or a program?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists.