Course Catalogue

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It is impossible to make sense of global politics without reference to security. This concept is ubiquitous in political discourse and the images of actually experienced insecurity appear on our television, computer and smartphone screens almost constantly. This course is about the concept of security - of what, from what and for what. The course is based around an in-depth examination of key theories and approaches from the field of International Security Studies, addressing both orthodox approaches and the turn towards a broader security agenda and the emergence of 'critical' approaches to security.

Lecture: one hour per week, for 10 weeks

Tutorial: one hour per week, for 10 weeks

Open to postgraduate students only

None

None

Group Presentation - 30%* 

1 essay of 3000 words - 70%

* The fulfilment of different roles within the group project (research, written presentation creation, oral delivery etc.) will be highlighted. This is aimed to make the assessment as accessible as possible. If, in exceptional circumstances, a student has circumstances which prevent group working an alternative assessment will be provided that builds on the previous form of assessment. Individuals will be tasked with providing 3 x 600-700 word 'Peer Reviews' of 3 different Presentations. This same alternative assessment will be offered in exceptional circumstances if a student fails to adequately contribute to the group work (reporting mechanisms will be in place for students to share concerns with the convenor). 

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the fields of Strategic and Security Studies and encourage students to critically examine the meaning and practices of security and strategy. To achieve this aim, students will critically examine key theories, theorists, concepts and themes within this field and will have opportunities to apply these to make critical sense of claims, experiences and implications of security and insecurity within contemporary global politics.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the changing nature of security;

■ Critically evaluate different approaches to understanding and conceptualising security and strategy;

■ Identify and critically assess the political and normative implications of different claims about security and insecurity;

■ Advance reasoned and factually supported arguments orally and in writing.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.