GI6005A - International Security in an Era of Globalisation (2024/25)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||
Module title | International Security in an Era of Globalisation | ||||||||||
Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||
Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2024/25(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 terrain of globalisation and security issues.
Syllabus
• Security and Globalisation LO3
• Traditional Approaches to Security LO1,LO2
• The Individual as the Key Referent Object LO1,LO2
• Feminism and Security LO1,LO2
• War and its Causes
• Collective Security, Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Intervention: The United Nations
• Nuclear Proliferation
• Terrorism
• Globalisation, Democracy and Human Rights
• Religion and Security
• Transnational Crime LO3
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 by the module convenor may also be made available on line and by e-mail.
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
By the end of this module students should:
1. Understand the changing nature of the concept of security and its evolution throughout the 20th and 21st centuries
2. Be able to distinguish between the variety of theoretical approaches and their relevance to the concept of security.
3. Be able to reflect on a variety of security concerns relevant to the contemporary era.
Bibliography
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,2ndEdition, 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.