Taught Masters Modules: POL6005 - Contemporary Global Security

Level: MA
Credits: 30

Module Leader: Professor Brian White

Description

In recent years the study of security has seen a great deal of change. Since the end of the Cold War, and the focus on superpower conflict, the subject of security has been challenged and broadened to incorporate issues such as the environment and economic security. This module will examine the developing security agenda, incorporating various aspects of global security.

The course begins with a general introduction to the field of security studies, and evaluation of the concept of security. It covers the main theoretical perspectives at the beginning of the module in order to provide a basis for further expansion on these throughout the module. The focus in the first half of the module is on security issues such as terrorism, economic security, environmental security and so on. The second half of the module looks at ways to bring increased security, from arms control to security institutions, to post-conflict reconciliation. Every topic is approached with a theoretical perspective, as well as applying theories and concepts to case studies to give an empirical and contemporary outlook on the subject of security.

Objectives

This module aims to provide students with a theoretically-informed but policy-relevant understanding of security-related issues in the twenty-first century. By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate independent and critical understanding of the most important aspects of security
• Critically evaluate theories of security in relation to specific security issues
• Assess security practices and regimes such as arms control and peacekeeping
• Apply theoretical knowledge of security to case studies from contemporary global politics.
• Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, including understanding complex concepts and theories, exercising critical judgement, problem-solving skills; making effective oral and written presentations, utilising specialist primary and secondary sources, and deepening the capacity for independent learning
• Write scholarly and grammatically correct essays that are referenced in accordance with established academic practice.

Assessment

• Essay 1: 40%
• Essay 2: 60%