SS8078 - Security and Policy in a Global Context (2021/22)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2021/22 | ||||||||||
Module title | Security and Policy in a Global Context | ||||||||||
Module level | Doctoral (08) | ||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||
School | London Metropolitan University | ||||||||||
Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2021/22(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The module introduces key ideas involved in studying security policy issues in the contemporary world. Students will consider how social, political as well as international relations processes can play a role in constructing and reconstructing security. Topics that will be elaborated on include community, identity, statehood, and political determination. The module focuses on both contemporary and historical security policy issues such as community safety, arms race policy, and the lack of regulatory policy on private military companies. We will also examine the knowledge learned through country cases, such as Cyprus and Northern Ireland, Israel and Palestine, Syria, Russia, China. The course aims to expose students to contemporary debates in security policy and its implementation as well as to the various forms in which security is manifesting today.
Prior learning requirements
N/A
Syllabus
1. Security as a concept. LO1, LO2
2. Norms, identities and national security. LO1 + LO2
3. The national security problem. LO2 + LO3
4. Securitisation policy. LO2 + LO3
5. The role of community in security. LO3 + LO4
6. Security issues around the globe – student led session. LO1-4
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
This module will be delivered as a block teaching short course comprising lectures and workships and based on a collaborative process involving students' active participation, practical assignments, guided independent study involving the use of textbooks, journals and on-line sources.
The workshops are designed to empower the student and develop their skills in applying data analysis skills. Self directed learning allows students to explore substantive issues for themselves. Continued support and guidance will be offered during coursework and assessment.
Learning outcomes
1. Explain and critique key concepts and theories of security, community safety, and securitisation.
2. Identify key historical and contemporary trends in security policy.
3. Critical assess the key current security policy developments and challenges.
4. Evaluate security needs within a broader political and cultural realm.
Assessment strategy
This module will be assessed through a 5000-word essay including an extensive literature review that allows the student to discuss security policy issues within the context of their professional environment. Students will be encouraged to contextualise security policy issues of interest within the political, social and economic dimensions covered in the module and consider how policy review can shape security policy in the future and be applied in their own professional area.
Bibliography
Core reading
Christopher, W. and Meng, Y. (2011) Security Studies: A Reader, Abingdon: Routledge
Additional resources
Blockmans, S. and Koutrakos, P. (2018) Research Handbook on the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, Research Handbook on the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. doi: 10.4337/9781785364082.
Callaghan, J., Jean M. and Kernic, F. (2003) Armed forces and international security: global trends and issues. Lit.
Chappell, L., Mawdsley, J. and Petrov, P. (no date) The EU, strategy and security policy : regional and strategic challenges, London: Routledge
Dannreuther, R. (2003) European Union foreign and security policy: Towards a neighbourhood strategy, European Union Foreign and Security Policy: Towards a Neighbourhood Strategy. Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780203300855.
Ganguly, S. (2009a) The Routledge Handbook of Asian Security Studies, The Routledge Handbook of Asian Security Studies. doi: 10.4324/9780203865101.
Hanssen, U. (2019) Temporal Identities and Security Policy in Postwar Japan, Temporal Identities and Security Policy in Postwar Japan. Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780429447143.
Kanet, R. E. and Piet, R. (2016) Shifting priorities in Russia’s foreign and security policy, Shifting Priorities in Russia’s Foreign and Security Policy. Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781315608983.
King, A. (2006) ‘Towards a European Military Culture?’, Defence Studies. Routledge, 6(3), pp. 257–277. doi: 10.1080/14702430601060115.
Reeves, C. (2018) Poland’s security policy: the West Russia and the changing international order, Journal of Transatlantic Studies. doi: 10.1080/14794012.2018.1482718.
Williams, P. (2013) ‘Security Studies: An Introduction’ (Second Edition), Abingdon: Routledge
Journals
Critical Military Studies
Defence Studies
Contemporary Security Policy
Security Journal
Journal of Global Security Studies
Journal of Strategic Security