GI6005 - International Security in an Era of Globalisation (2020/21)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2020/21 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | International Security in an Era of Globalisation | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2020/21(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The broad aims of this module are to understand the fundamentals of security studies and its importance in an increasingly connected world. In particular to:
• Think in broad, conceptual terms about the changes in international security occasioned by the impact of globalisation, especially since the end of the Cold War in 1989, and evaluate the differing interpretations of its development and assess the processes through which it has occurred over time.
• Understand “Security” conceptually in both its international and national contexts.
• Evaluate the contested military and non-military terrain of globalisation and security issues.
Syllabus
• Traditional approaches to achieving security in a highly globalised world LO1,LO2,LO4
• The individual as the key referent object LO2,LO5
• Feminism and security LO2,LO5
• War and its causes LO3,LO5
• The United Nations as a global actor. Its role in maintaining peace LO3,LO5
• Nuclear proliferation LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
• Terrorism LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
• Globalisation, democracy and human rights LO1,LO2,LO5
• Religion and security LO1,LO2,LO4,LO5
• The globalisation of crime LO1,LO2,LO3
• Small arms LO1,LO2,LO3
• The role of intelligence LO1,LO2,LO3
• Cyber security LO1,LO2,LO4
• NATO as an increasingly global actor. Its role in enhancing regional and global security LO3
• Economic security LO3,LO4
• Environmental security and climate change as transnational problems LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
• Territorial resource and energy security conflicts LO1,LO2,LO4
• Natural disasters and the global responseLO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
• Health and food security in a world of population pressure LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
• Land and sea boundary disputes LO1,LO2
• The commercialisation of security. LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
• What future for globalisation and its impact on security LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Teaching consists of a weekly one hour lecture followed by a one hour tutorial. Lectures will involve a combination of taught lectures, videos, the use of primary and secondary documents and websites. During the module seminars will combine a variety of methods including discussion based on pre-set questions and role plays. Blended Learning will be a key component of the module. Lecture notes and primary and secondary documents for use in class will be posted on line, as will web links for academic and governmental websites, as well as video links. Some recorded material – such as recorded lectures by the module convenor may also be made available on line.
Materials for use in class will be posted at least one week in advance on line to allow students to reflect on the subject and prepare. Questions for class discussion will be available from the beginning of the module via the Module Booklet available on WebLearn, which will include a list of resources students can use to answer the questions and study the subject in greater depth.
Reflective learning will be encouraged at all stages of the module, with the emphasis being on developing independent learning skills. At Level 6 it is expected that students will be able to carry out independent research, deep learning, and analysis. This is reflected in the percentage of time the module allows students to carry out guided independent study (80%), building on skills developed at Levels 4 and 5, and encouraging students to expand their abilities in preparation for the workplace or postgraduate study.
Learning outcomes
1. Be able to understand and analyse the nature of the systematic changes in international security since the onset of globalisation and determine the forces of globalisation that have shaped, and are shaping, its development;
2. Be able to assess and critically analyse the major security issues faced by the international community
3. Understand the central role played by international organisations – such as the United Nations and NATO in the maintenance of international peace and security, in the post-Cold War era.
4. Be able to reflect on the relationship between state and non-state actors.
5. Question the ethical dimensions of the Westphalian order based on notions of sovereignty and narrow State interests and determine whether theories highlighting human emancipation need to be strengthened.
Assessment strategy
A first summative piece will be a 2,000 word Regional Report. This will test a student’s understanding of the security dynamics of a chosen region in the post-Cold War era.
A second summative piece of work will be an essay of 3000 words which will provide students with the opportunity to submit a major piece of work of their choosing on a key element of the module. This will enable students to develop further many of the employability skills introduced during the formative assessment, in addition to writing, reflecting on what they have learnt and making use of constructive feedback.
Bibliography
Identify core and additional reading
Liaise with Library Services to confirm availability of on-line licenses in academic year
Where possible, the most current version of reading materials is used during the delivery of this module. Comprehensive reading lists are provided to students in their handbooks. Reading Lists will be updated annually.
Books
• Peter Hough, Shahin Malik, Andrew Moran, Bruce Pilbeam, International Security Studies, Theory and Practice, London, Routledge, 2015.
• Collins, Alan, Contemporary Security Studies, 4thEdition, Oxford University Press, 2015.
• Jeff Haynes, Peter Hough, Shahin Malik and Lloyd Pettiford, World Politics, International Relations and Globalisation in the 21st Century,2nd Edition, Sage, 2017.
• Nye, Joseph S., Understanding International Conflicts: an Introduction to Theory and History, 7th Edition, New York, Pearson Longman, 2008.
• Hough, Peter, Understanding Global Security, 2nd Edition, Routledge, 2008.
• Morgan, Patrick M., International Security: Problems and Solutions, Washington, CQ Press, 2006.
• Kolodziej, Edward A., Security and International Relations, Cambridge University Press, 2005.
On-line resources include:
• Foreign Policy at www.foreignpolicy.com;
• Foreign Affairs at www.foreignaffairs.org;
• The Washington Quarterly at www.twq.com;
• and the Journal of International Affairs at www.jia.sipa.columbia.edu;
An increasing number of e-books and journal articles are also available via the university library.