GV517-7-AU-CO:
International Security Studies
2021/22
Government
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 07 October 2021
Friday 17 December 2021
15
07 May 2021
Requisites for this module
(none)
(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 terrorism, civil wars, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, or asymmetric warfare have received greater prominence than before.
Generally, the (traditional) realist preoccupation of superpower nuclear conflict is no longer perceived as 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 nature of security, strategy, the (declining) centrality of the state, and 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 two sections. First, we study some of the general and most important theoretical concepts in the security-studies literature. This establishes a common theoretical background. The second part deals with issues of (traditional) military security in depth, both theoretically and empirically: e.g., the Bargaining Model of War, military effectiveness, intelligence services, defence technology, or arms control.
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.
By the end of the module, students should:
1. Be able to critically compare different theoretical approaches in Security Studies.
2. Possess the skills to carefully assess the empirical evidence for these theoretical approaches.
3. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contemporary issues in Security Studies.
4. how a systematic understanding of the security components in international affairs since 1945.
5. Be able to express well-informed opinions about contemporary security issues.
No additional information available.
1x weekly lecture, 1x weekly interactive lecture
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 |
|
100% |
| 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
Dr Prabin Khadka, email: prabin.khadka@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Prabin Khadka
Dr Prabin Khadka prabin.khadka@essex.ac.uk or Module Administrator: Jamie Seakens, govpgquery@essex.ac.uk
No
Yes
No
Dr Damien Bol
King's College London
Senior Lecturer
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
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