Contemporary Security: States and People

Code School Level Credits Semesters
INTS4015 School of International Studies 4 20 Autumn China
Code
INTS4015
School
School of International Studies
Level
4
Credits
20
Semesters
Autumn China

Summary

Security studies is one of the main subfields of international relations. This module provides an introduction to the key issues and debates that characterize contemporary security studies.

The module is divided into three parts. The first part considers a number of conceptual issues raised by current debates within security studies. Competing ideas about the meanings of the term ‘security’ and different referents for security will be analysed. Different theoretical perspectives will be introduced. The second part of the module explores a series of issues that characterize the contemporary security agenda. Issues such as terrorism, migration, energy, transnational organized crime, food security, health and the environment will be considered, exploring how they have been turned into security issues and what is problematic about them. The third part discusses the transformation of warfare and developments like Responsibility to Protect and humanitarian intervention.

Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Autumn Semester.  First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.

Target Students

Students enrolled in the MA programmes of the School of International Studies

Classes

Assessment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Student will gain an overview of what are the most pressing issues on the contemporary security agenda and of the different theoretical perspectives that characterize traditional and critical security studies.The actors and processes that contribute to the framing of the contemporary security agenda will be analysed. In doing so, the module engages with the concept that the contemporary security agenda does not reflect self-evident threats that characterize world politics. Instead, emphasis is placed on the processes through which some issues may be transformed into ‘security’ issues. The module analyses the roles played by different actors in this agenda-setting process and outlines the relationship between the framing of an issue as a security issue and the policy responses to it.

Learning Outcomes

1. Intellectual skills – By successfully completing the module students will be able to:•Summarize the main theories of how threats are constructed and international policy responses are developed •Analyse the different theoretical perspectives and assess their strengths and weaknesses•Identify the actors and processes involved in framing the contemporary security agenda. •Critically evaluate the reasons for labelling an issue a security threat•Discuss the dangers of labelling an issue a security threat•Apply different theoretical perspectives to analyse a range of traditional and non-traditional security issues and assess policy-makers’ responses to these issues.2. Professional / practical skills Student will:•practices the basic techniques of (constructivist) security analysis •plan, conduct and present a research project3. Transferable / key skills In the course of this module, students will have the opportunity to acquire a wide range of transferable skills. •The content of the module will help students to grasp complex ideas and concepts, evaluate competing arguments, and practice their reasoning skills. •In lectures students will develop listening and note taking skills. •The seminars will provide an opportunity for students to engage in discussions and debates, and work effectively in small groups. •The written assignment and the presentation will encourage students to conduct independent. •The written assignment will help students to develop their writing skills.•The presentation will provide an opportunity for students to practice their presentation skills and use presentation aids (posters, PowerPoint or Prezi). •The exam will provide an opportunity to work under time constraint conditions.

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 09/01/2025.