Global Security

Code

POLI2042

School

Politics and International Relations

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This module explores issues in global security since the end of the Cold War. It focuses on security in a broad sense, from issues relating to the use of force by states, through to violence by non-state actors, such as terrorist groups, and on to the concept of human security. International Relations theories that shed light on the study of international security will be studied in the module. The module builds on the first-year modules Understanding Global Politics and Problems in Global Politics, challenging students to deepen their theoretical as well as empirical knowledge in international security. It is also a preparation for the research-led third year modules that require a much more developed capacity of analysing empirical developments from a range of different theoretical perspectives.

Target Students

Available to Year 2 UG students in the School of Politics and International Relations on single and joint honours plans. Also available to Year 2 UG students on the Philosophy, Politics and Economics plan, incoming exchange students based in the School of Politics and International Relations, and Ningbo International Studies students.

Classes

This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 2000-word essay
• 50% Coursework 2: 2,000-word essay

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
* Demonstrate knowledge of the subject of global security and how issues and theories can be interpreted in different ways
* Demonstrate a knowledge of the appropriate literatures in relation to international security studies
 

Intellectual skills
* Assess a variety of approaches and methods for the study of global security
* Think reflectively and critically about the connection between theory and empirical analysis
* Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate literatures in relation to this subject area
 

Professional and practical skills
* Develop advanced writing skills
* Carry out independent research, evaluate data and communicate a structured argument succinctly and clearly
* Practice developing logical, well-informed and convincing verbal arguments through weekly seminar discussions and debate as individuals and in groups
 

Transferable (key) skills
* Deal with complex data to produce convincing written arguments expressed clearly and succinctly
* Think decisively and confidently to produce strong written arguments
* Develop analytical ability to pinpoint key salient points
* Show team work skills
* Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn new information and the motivation to apply this knowledge
 

Conveners

• Dr Daniel Lomas