Course syllabus From Revolutions to Rebel Politics
Swedish name: Från revolutioner till rebellpolitik
Course code:
2KR039
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2027
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
A1N
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
War Studies
Department:
Department of War Studies
Subject:
War Studies
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Forsknings och utbildningsnämndens kursplaneutskott (KUS)
Decision date:
2026-06-09
Entry requirements
180 credits, of which 90 credits must be in War Studies or another similar subject. In addition, a level of proficiency in the English language, corresponding to English 6/English level 2 or equivalent (for example, IELTS level 6.5 and above) is required.
Course content and structure
In this course the student examines revolutions, rebellions, and political resistance in relation to war and armed conflict. The study of revolutions, rebellions, and resistance is at the core of War Studies because these phenomena often shape the dynamics of warfare, state authority, and post-war political orders.
In the first part of the course, the student is introduced to theories of revolution, resistance, and political violence. The student examines historical and conceptual perspectives on how guerrilla movements, liberation movements, and marginalized communities have justified violent resistance as a strategy for political change. Particular attention is paid to the political and moral arguments often used to legitimize revolutionary struggle.
In the second part of the course, the student examine contemporary rebel movements in areas characterized by protracted conflict and fragmented state authority.The student analyses how rebel movements mobilize supporters, organize their structures, conduct armed struggle, and in some cases govern territory and civilian populations. The student also explores how some rebel movements transition from armed struggle to political participation in post-war contexts. Through seminariars and lectures the student develop their ability to analyze rebel movements by engaging with current research.
The course concludes with an independent written assignment in which the student critically and analytically synthesizes the course literature. This assignment will also be presented orally during an examination seminar.
Seminars, lectures
In the first part of the course, the student is introduced to theories of revolution, resistance, and political violence. The student examines historical and conceptual perspectives on how guerrilla movements, liberation movements, and marginalized communities have justified violent resistance as a strategy for political change. Particular attention is paid to the political and moral arguments often used to legitimize revolutionary struggle.
In the second part of the course, the student examine contemporary rebel movements in areas characterized by protracted conflict and fragmented state authority.The student analyses how rebel movements mobilize supporters, organize their structures, conduct armed struggle, and in some cases govern territory and civilian populations. The student also explores how some rebel movements transition from armed struggle to political participation in post-war contexts. Through seminariars and lectures the student develop their ability to analyze rebel movements by engaging with current research.
The course concludes with an independent written assignment in which the student critically and analytically synthesizes the course literature. This assignment will also be presented orally during an examination seminar.
Type of instruction
Seminars, lectures
Objectives
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
Competence and skills
Judgement and approach
Knowledge and understanding
- systematically explain central theories of revolution, resistance, and rebel politics
- analyze how revolutionary and rebel movements shape warfare and state authority
Competence and skills
- problematize theoretical assumptions about revolution and political violence
- apply theoretical perspectives discussed in the course to contemporary empirical examples
Judgement and approach
- independently and critically reflect on the political and moral arguments used to legitimize violent resistance
- problematize the relationship between rebel movements, civilian populations, and state institutions in conflict settings.
Examination formats
The examination consists of a written assignment, an oral student-led presentation, and active participation in all seminars.
The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments for the student to achieve a passing grade on the course. A supplementary assignment shall be submitted no later than three working days after the result and the supplementary assignment for the examination in question have been notified. Examination papers submitted late will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.
The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG).
To obtain the grade Pass (G) for the course, the student must achieve the grade Pass (G) on the written assignment, the grade Pass (G) on the oral presentation and active participation in all seminars. To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, the student must, in addition to the requirements for a Pass (G), achieve the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the written assignment.
Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments for the student to achieve a passing grade on the course. A supplementary assignment shall be submitted no later than three working days after the result and the supplementary assignment for the examination in question have been notified. Examination papers submitted late will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.
Grading
The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG).
To obtain the grade Pass (G) for the course, the student must achieve the grade Pass (G) on the written assignment, the grade Pass (G) on the oral presentation and active participation in all seminars. To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, the student must, in addition to the requirements for a Pass (G), achieve the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the written assignment.
Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.
Restrictions in number of examinations
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Transitional provisions
When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.
Other regulations
- The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.
- If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
- Upon completion of the course, the course director will conduct an evaluation, which informs any changes to the course.