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 | 1 X Seminar presentation | 10% |
| Semester Assessment | 1 x 2,500 word essay | 35% |
| Semester Assessment | 1 x 4,000 word essay | 55% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Students may, subject to Faculty approval, have the opportunity to resit this module, normally during the supplementary examination period. For further clarification please contact the Teaching Programme Administrator in the Department of International Politics. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Thorough knowledge of different theoretical understandings of security;
• Ability to understand key concepts, related theories, and relevant issues;
• Ability to identify, analyse and evaluate the assumptions and theories that underpin contending conceptualisations of security;
• 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;
• Ability to make articulate, concise, persuasive and well-paced presentations in small groups;
• Ability to engage in critical and constructive debate.
Brief description
This module explores the 'critical' turn in thinking about security through an examination of the main alternative conceptualisations of security that have emerged in recent years. It is a core module for students on the 'Research Training' pathway of the Security Studies programme.
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, 'securitzation', and the purpose and audience of security studies.
Content
This module provides a critical overview of the study of security in world politics from the perspective(s) of those employing alternative conceptualisations of security to the military-focused, state-centrism at the heart of traditional security/strategic studies. Following in-depth discussion of traditional understandings of security the module discusses various other contemporary attempts to conceptualise the nature of security. The differences and common ground between these approaches is highlighted through a consideration of key debates in contemporary security 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 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