module specification

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.

• The Role of Intelligence LO1
• Cyber Security LO1,LO2
• The Role of Institutions in Enhancing Security: NATO LO1,LO2
• Economic Security LO1,LO3
• Environmental Security and Climate Change as International Security Issues LO1,LO2,LO3
• Territorial Resource and Energy Security Conflicts LO1,LO2
• Natural Disasters LO1,LO2
• Health and Food Security in a World of Population Pressure LO1,LO2
• Land and Sea Boundary Disputes LO1,LO2
• The Commercialisation of Security LO1,LO2,LO3
• What Future for Security Studies LO3

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.

By the end of this module students should:

1. Be able to reflect on a variety of security concerns relevant to the contemporary era.
2. Think in broad conceptual and practical terms about the role of international institutions in the maintenance of security
3. Understand and engage critically with the assumptions that underpin contending conceptualisations of international security challenges.

The formative piece of work in the form of a 500 word briefing paper on one of the Essay Questions will form the basis for the upcoming summative assessment.

The summative assessment piece will be a 3000 word Essay.

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.