GV517-6-SP-CO:
International Security Studies

The details
2023/24
Government
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
03 May 2023

 

Requisites for this module
GV103 or GV214
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

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.

Module aims

The module aims to:

1. Provide students with the main theoretical arguments of Security Studies and related fields (e.g., 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.

Module learning outcomes

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.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

One-hour lecture and one-hour class per week for 10 weeks

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Essay 1    50% 
Coursework   Essay 2    50% 

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

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Prabin Khadka, email: prabin.khadka@essex.ac.uk.

 

Availability
No
Yes
No

External examiner

Dr Max Gallop
University of Strathclyde
Senior Lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Government

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