GV517-7-FY-CO:
International Security Studies
2016/17
Government
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
30
-
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
The field of Security Studies has enjoyed wide attention over the last decades. This did not end with the Cold War, but, in fact, Security Studies became even more prominent and relevant afterwards in light of "conventional" wars and "unconventional" engagements like peacekeeping missions, counterinsurgency operations, or anti-terror campaigns such as the "War on Terror."
While old conflicts are reigniting and new ones emerging, the scholarly literature and policy-makers debate about "changes" to concepts of security, particularly in the form of new forms of conflicts, new threats and challenges, and new actors. Issues such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, asymmetric warfare, and others have received greater prominence than before. Generally, the (traditional) realist preoccupation of superpower nuclear conflict is no longer perceived as a realistic option, however, and the academic and policy discussions have been dominated by a more varied set of considerations since the end of the Cold War: for example, the nature of security, strategy, the (declining) centrality of the state, and the balance between military and non-military aspects of security.
This module explores these and several other related issues from a broad range of theoretical and empirical perspectives. It is divided into three sections. First, we study some of the general and most important theoretical concepts in the security-studies literature. This establishes a common theoretical background. The second part deals with issues of military security in depth, both theoretically and empirically: for instance, intelligence, defense technology, or arms control. Finally, we look at a wide variety of contemporary ("new") issues in the third section of the module. These include the role of the UN in peacekeeping, intrastate warfare, counterinsurgency operations, and a series of regional case studies.
The module can be taken as a final year option for undergraduate students and as an option for postgraduates. This document provides all essential details about the module. It also contains the basic list of readings. Students should retain it for the duration of the module.
No information available.
No information available.
Aims of the Module
To provide students with the main theoretical arguments of 'security studies' and related fields such as 'strategic studies.'
To engage students in a wide range of applied empirical material relating to the security agenda, the use of military force and supporting elements.
To present a range of contemporary security issues, which are discussed both from a theoretical and empirical perspective.
Module Objectives
By the end of the module, students should:
Be able to critically compare different theoretical approaches to global security studies.
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contemporary issues in security studies.
Be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of differing forms of security organisations.
To show a systematic understanding of the military components of security applied in conflicts since 1945.
Be able to express well-informed opinions about contemporary security issues.
Key Skills
By following this module, students will have the opportunity to gain the following skills:
Select and read appropriate material that contains required information and data.
Synthesise the obtained information to use it for relevant purposes (e.g. essays, presentations, discussions, etc.).
Organise information clearly and coherently.
Explore complex problems and analyse their main features.
The module is organized along weekly one-hour lectures and weekly one-hour classes.
Lectures: 1 hour per week
Classes: Students will be allocated to a weekly class. These classes largely parallel the material of the lectures. Attendance at classes is compulsory. If (for any reason) students are unable to attend, they must notify the module supervisor to explain their absence. In the classes, the most important material and issues raised in the lecture will be discussed in more detail. It is expected that student have read the set reading for a specific week and are prepared to discuss it.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Essay 1 |
|
50% |
| Coursework |
Essay 2 |
|
50% |
| Exam |
Main exam: 180 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Tobias Bohmelt
Dr Bohmelt tbohmelt@essex.ac.uk or Graduate Administrator Alex West awestb@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
No
Dr Nicholas Walter Vivyan
University of Durham
Senior Lecturer
Available via Moodle
Of 84 hours, 82 (97.6%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
Government
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