GV517-6-FY-CO:
International Security Studies
2021/22
Government
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 07 October 2021
Friday 01 July 2022
30
10 May 2021
Requisites for this module
GV103 or GV214
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
The field of Security Studies has enjoyed significant attention in both policy and academic circles since the end of World War II. This did not end with the Cold War, but, in fact, Security Studies became even more prominent and relevant afterwards in light of "conventional" wars and "unconventional" engagements like peacekeeping missions, counterinsurgency operations, or anti-terror campaigns.
While old conflicts are reigniting and new ones emerging, the scholarly literature and policymakers debate about "changes" to concepts of security, particularly in the form of new forms of conflicts, new threats and challenges, and new actors. Issues such as civil war, terrorism, or insurgency increasingly have received greater prominence than before.
Generally, the (traditional) realist preoccupation of superpower conflict is no longer a realistic option, and the academic and policy discussions have been dominated by a more varied set of considerations since the end of the Cold War: e.g., the more multifaceted nature of security, the (declining) centrality of the state, or the balance between military and non-military aspects of security.
This module explores these and several other related issues from a broad range of theoretical and empirical perspectives. It is divided into three sections. First, we study some of the general and most important theoretical concepts in Strategic and Security Studies. This establishes a common theoretical background. The second part deals with issues of (traditional) military security, i.e., Strategic Studies, in depth, both theoretically and empirically: e.g., the Bargaining Model of War, military effectiveness, defense technology, arms control, or intelligence services.
The module aims to:
1. Provide students with the main theoretical arguments of Security Studies and Strategic Studies.
2. Engage with a wide range of applied empirical material relating to the security agenda, the use of military force, and supporting elements.
3. Present a range of contemporary security issues, which are discussed both from a theoretical point of view and an empirical perspective.
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. Select and read appropriate material that contains required information and data.
2. Synthesize the obtained information to use it for relevant purposes (e.g., essays, presentations, discussions, etc.).
3. Organize information clearly and coherently.
4. Explore complex security-relevant problems and analyze their main characteristics, determinants, and consequences.
The module can be taken as a final year option for undergraduate students and as an option for postgraduates. This document provides all essential details about the module. It also contains the basic list of readings. Students should retain it for the duration of the module.
One-hour lecture and one-hour class per week
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Essay 1 |
|
50% |
| Coursework |
Essay 2 |
|
50% |
| Exam |
Main exam: 48hr during Summer (Main Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
No
Yes
No
Dr Mohammed Rodwan Abouharb
University College London
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 18 (90%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
Government
Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can
be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements,
industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist
of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules.
The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.