Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminars / Tutorials | 10 Hours (5 x 2 hours) |
| Lecture | 14 Hours (14 x 1 hour) |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 1 x 2,500 word essay | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | 1 x online blog | 10% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours (1 x 2 hour exam) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 1 x 3,000 word essay in lieu of exam, if exam element failed | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 1 x 750 word assignment in lieu of online blog | 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 1 x 2,500 word essay, if essay element failed | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Discuss key concepts in the field of cyber security within the context of the security and strategic studies canon of international relations.
2. Apply these concepts through empirical examples.
3. Critically analyse the cyber security discourse.
4. Analyse the significance of a wide variety of trends in cyber security.
5. Demonstrate an empirical and theoretical awareness of the benefits and challenges of cyber warfare.
6. Critically examine the links or disjunctures between military and civil applications of the cyber world.
7. Apply a theoretical understanding to the evolving cyber discourse.
Brief description
This module will examine a focused range of cyber security and cyber warfare issues and as well as analysing current developments will also try to look 'over the horizon' towards what issues might be faced over the next generation. This course will begin by outlining and evaluating some 'fifth generation' military systems in terms of both their military capabilities and how this might be balanced against protection of the nodes which enable these activities to take place. The aim will be to question the extent to which these systems and technology offer a qualitative or quantitative break from the past (such as visual stealth through meta-materials). In terms of the RMA debate this will also discuss the extent to which systems can be 'future proofed' at a time of financial austerity. Are notions of the military-industrial complex helpful lenses to look through? At the state level it has long been recognised that developed nation-states have potential weaknesses within their infrastructure including power stations, links to national grids, hospitals and medical records and ICT hubs (for example) as well as though datalinks and Dedicated Denial of Service attacks. State-of-the-art technologies in particular, with very limited testing or operating experience, mean there is increased risk that something can and will go wrong. In terms of remote warfare there is also the question of how to generate increased situational awareness and guard against the potential for information overload in a cluttered environment? It will also question whether should people remain in the loop? In analysing the current technological environment theories within IR of the ‘Balance of Power’, ‘Power Preponderance’ and the ‘catch up’ phenomena will inform the arguments presented
Content
This module will examine a focused range of cyber security and cyber warfare issues and as well as analysing current developments will also try to look 'over the horizon' towards what issues might be faced over the next generation. This course will begin by outlining and evaluating some 'fifth generation' military systems in terms of both their military capabilities and how this might be balanced against protection of the nodes which enable these activities to take place. The aim will be to question the extent to which these systems and technology offer a qualitative or quantitative break from the past (such as visual stealth through meta-materials). In terms of the RMA debate this will also discuss the extent to which systems can be 'future proofed' at a time of financial austerity. Are notions of the military-industrial complex helpful lenses to look through? At the state level it has long been recognised that developed nation-states have potential weaknesses within their infrastructure including power stations, links to national grids, hospitals and medical records and ICT hubs (for example) as well as though datalinks and Dedicated Denial of Service attacks. State-of-the-art technologies in particular, with very limited testing or operating experience, mean there is increased risk that something can and will go wrong. In terms of remote warfare there is also the question of how to generate increased situational awareness and guard against the potential for information overload in a cluttered environment? It will also question whether should people remain in the loop? In analysing the current technological environment theories within IR of the ‘Balance of Power’, ‘Power Preponderance’ and the ‘catch up’ phenomena will inform the arguments presented
Aims
This module will examine a focused range of cyber security and cyber warfare issues and as well as analysing current developments will also try to look 'over the horizon' towards what issues might be faced over the next generation. This course will begin by outlining and evaluating some 'fifth generation' military systems in terms of both their military capabilities and how this might be balanced against protection of the nodes which enable these activities to take place. The aim will be to question the extent to which these systems and technology offer a qualitative or quantitative break from the past (such as visual stealth through meta-materials). In terms of the RMA debate this will also discuss the extent to which systems can be 'future proofed' at a time of financial austerity. Are notions of the military-industrial complex helpful lenses to look through? At the state level it has long been recognised that developed nation-states have potential weaknesses within their infrastructure including power stations, links to national grids, hospitals and medical records and ICT hubs (for example) as well as though datalinks and Dedicated Denial of Service attacks. State-of-the-art technologies in particular, with very limited testing or operating experience, mean there is increased risk that something can and will go wrong. In terms of remote warfare there is also the question of how to generate increased situational awareness and guard against the potential for information overload in a cluttered environment? It will also question whether should people remain in the loop? In analysing the current technological environment theories within IR of the ‘Balance of Power’, ‘Power Preponderance’ and the ‘catch up’ phenomena will inform the arguments presented
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | N/A |
| Communication | Students will learn how to present their ideas both verbally and in writing and how to how to present their arguments most effectively. They will learn the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to best advantage. They will learn to be clear in their writing and speaking and to be direct about aims and objectives. They will learn to consider only that which is relevant to the topic, focus and objectives of their argument or discussion. This module will particularly test aural and oral communication skills as it involves seminar performance. Students will also be required to submit their essays in word-processed format and the presentation of work should reflect effective expression of ideas and good use of language skills in order to ensure clarity, coherence and effective communication. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | The module aims to promote self-management but within a context in which support and assistance is available from both the convenor and fellow students alike. Students will be expected to improve their own learning and performance by undertaking their own research and exercising their own initiative, including searching for sources and deciding (under guidance) the direction of their coursework and presentation topics. The need to prepare for seminar participation and to meet coursework deadlines will focus students' attention on the need to manage their time. |
| Information Technology | Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format and use of and technology such as mobiles, laptops/netbooks and tablets within seminars is encouraged. Students will also be encouraged to search for sources of information on the internet given the nature of the course, as well as seeking sources through electronic information portals (such as Ingenta and CETMONS). Students will also be expected to make use of the resources that will be available on the Blackboard VLE. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | This module is designed to hone and test skills of use to students in their working lives, particularly in speaking to small groups, listening, thinking and responding to the statements of others. Moreover, the written work includes writing clearly and concisely, which is a common task in the workplace. Students will be encouraged throughout to reflect on their performance and to consider lessons for future application. |
| Problem solving | Independent project work and problem solving will be one central goal of the module; the submission of the on-line blog, the essay as well as the exam alongside preparation for seminar discussions will require that students develop independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The ability of students to solve problems will be developed and assessed by asking them to: adopt differing points of view; organize data and estimate an answer to the problem; consider a variety of cases; reason logically; construct theoretical models; consider future possibilities; look for symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns; divide issues into smaller units with a view to the larger picture. |
| Research skills | Students will be required to undertake independent research for all elements of the assessed work. This will involve utilizing media and web sources, a number of which will be highlighted via Blackboard, as well as conventional academic texts. Students will in part be assessed on their ability to gather appropriate and interesting resources materials and to think widely and openly. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Students have the opportunity to develop, practice and test a wide range of subject specific skills that help them to understand, conceptualise and evaluate examples and ideas within the module. These subject specific skills include: • How to collect and analyse a wide range of data relating to the module • Evaluate competing perspectives • Demonstrate subject specific research techniques • Apply a range of methodologies to complex contemporary political and social questions. |
| Team work | Students will undertake team exercises, including role plays, in the seminars. Blackboard facilities such as the blog will also be used and students will be encouraged to contribute fully and appropriately to their entries |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6