module specification

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.

The module aims are as follows:

• To consider and critically engage with key concepts and theories relating to global security;
• To provide an understanding of how wider socio-political factors impact national security;
• To gain a comprehension of historical and contemporary trends in security policy;
• To offer a critical assessment of the current security policy develops and challenges;
• To understand and critically evaluate security needs within a broader political and cultural realm.

This is a core module for the Dprof Crime, Policy and Security.

N/A

1. Security as a concept (1-2)
2. Norms, identities and national security (1-2)
3. The national security problem (2-3)
4. Securitisation policy (2-3)
5. The role of community in security  (3-4)
6. Security issues around the globe (1-4)

This module is delivered through a blended learning module that will include one intensive three-day block, supported by three peer and tutor lead online seminars throughout the semester and additional individual tutorial times for each student

Students will be required to prepare for lectures by reading the core texts and complete online activities prior to the block teaching and seminar sessions including leading part of one of the seminars.

In addition to this, students are expected to engage in independent study to prepare for and write their assignments, though tutorial space will be made available to feedback on and assignment plans. Students are encouraged to develop case studies from their own profession which can be used within the seminars as the basis for discussion and peer review. The teaching methods will include group work, lectures, guest lectures, workshops, and appraisal of audio-visual material. Recommended reading will be available to support each session. Additional electronic material and useful websites will be made available via Weblearn

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

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 assessment of the key current security policy developments and challenges.
4. Evaluate security needs within a broader political and cultural realm.

This module will be assessed through a 4500-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

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