Courses and Workshops

War, Peace, Refuge, and Return

Darren Zook
Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (PT)
Repeats every Wednesday until Wednesday, Apr. 24, 2024
Price: $155.00
35 slots available

What happens when countries go to war? Why do they do so, and how do we know when war is just and when it is a crime? This is a course that will focus on understanding war and the many things related to it, including the different pathways back to peace. We will also look at what happens to people caught in between—the refugees, the stateless, and the so-called “collateral damage” of conflict and war. In addition to covering general principles we will also look at specific conflicts around the world.


Faculty Bio

Darren Zook teaches in political science and global studies at UC Berkeley. His areas of interest include comparative politics, human rights and international law. He has received numerous teaching awards for his creativity in the classroom, and was recently named one of the “Top Ten Most Inspiring Professors at UC Berkeley” by College Magazine. He lectures all around the world, and has published six books. He is currently at work on a research project involving the politics of ice in the era of climate change.


This is a Livestreamed + Recorded Course

  • Classes will stream live on the scheduled day and time
  • Classes will also be video recorded
  • You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

  • Course starts on Wednesday, April 3, and ends on Wednesday, April 24
  • Classes meet for 4 weeks, 2 hours per session (10–noon)
  • Videos will post on Fridays in Member Dashboards
  • All course materials, including videos, will remain available to view and enjoy through May 31

Member Praise for Darren Zook

Dr. Zook is one of the best teachers I've ever had and I'm 80!

Darren Zook is an amazing teacher. He's a well-organized, extremely knowledgeable, and always engaging.

I have taken several classes with Darren Zook and will take several more. His scope and depth of knowledge is extraordinary. And he is able to communicate it effectively and effortlessly. 


Faculty Q&A