Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminars / Tutorials | 22 Hours. (1 x 2 hour seminar per week) |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Seminar Participation | 10% |
| Semester Assessment | Essay: 1 x 3,500 words | 35% |
| Semester Assessment | Essay: 1 x 4,000 words | 55% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Thorough knowledge of different theoretical understandings of security;
2. Ability to understand key concepts, related theories, and relevant issues;
3. Ability to identify, analyse and evaluate the assumptions and theories that underpin contending conceptualisations of security;
4. Ability to critically analyse and discuss the practical implications of these different conceptualisations of security, and participate in post-graduate level discussions about contending positions in contemporary security studies;
5. Ability to make articulate, concise, persuasive and well-paced presentations in small groups;
6. Ability to engage in critical and constructive debate.
Brief description
This module explores the ‘critical’ turn in Security Studies through an examination of the main contending conceptualisations of security that have emerged in recent years in distinction to the realist-derived orthodoxy.
Aims
- the assumptions, theories and practices that have defined post World War II 'traditional security studies';
- the assumptions and theories that underpin alternative conceptualisations of security, namely various forms of constructivism, post-structuralism and critical theory; and,
- the implications of these alternative standpoints as refracted through recent debates in the area of security studies concerning, inter alia, the most appropriate 'referent object' for security, 'broadening' security beyond military issues, 'securitization', and the purpose and audience of security studies.
Content
The module provides a critical overview of the study of security in world politics from the perspective(s) of those employing alternative conceptualizations of security to the military-focused and state-centric approaches at the heart of traditional Security/Strategic Studies. Following discussions of understandings of the orthodox approach to the study of security, the module discusses, in turn, various constructivist, Critical Theory, Marxist, discoursive, poststructuralist, feminist and sociological attempts to conceptualize the meanings and implications of security in world politics. The differences and common ground between these approaches are highlighted through a consideration of key debates, empirical cases, and theoretical studies.
Transferable skills
Throughout the module, students should practice and enhance their reading, comprehension and thinking skills and their self-management skills. In seminars students will enhance their analytical skills and will practice listening, explaining and debating skills, as well as team-working skills. The review essay will allow students on the Specialist pathway to further develop analytical and communication skills. Essay writing will encourage students on both the Specialist and Research Training pathways to practice their independent research, writing and IT skills.
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7