Discussion board [20%, Learning Outcomes 1-4]
Presentation 1000 words [20%: 1,000 words, Learning Outcomes 1-4]
Policy Report 1000 words [20%: Learning Outcomes 1-4]
Essay 2 [40%; 2000 words, Learning Outcomes 1-4] (Final work)

This module seeks to introduce students to key debates and theories in international security studies. The course approaches ‘security’ in its broadest sense, that is, not only as a military issue, but one which also carries social, human and political implications. The course is a mix of theoretical inquiry and empirical application. The emphasis will be on the development of security studies and its key paradigms. Students will be introduced to traditional theories of security, through to more critical approaches, such as the Copenhagen school, and human security. The module will also focus on a range of thematic specific security challenges including warfare, military issues, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, organized crime, peace operations and the role of various security actors and organizations.

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF MAIN APPROACHES TO INTERNATIONAL SECURITY, KEY DEBATES IN INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES TO INTERNATIONAL SECURITY Knowledge and Understanding

2. DEVELOP A PERCEPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THREATS IN NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONTEXTS. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE OF SECURITY COOPERATION BETWEEN STATES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Knowledge and Understanding

3. EVALUATE AND ANALYSE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREATS AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS. DISCUSS THE NOTION OF ‘SECURITY’ AND THE WAY IT HAS BEEN APPLIED IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT. ANALYSE CRITICALLY DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF SECURITY.
Analysis
Learning
Problem Solving

4. GATHER, ORGANIZE AND DEPLOY INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE. CONSTRUCT REASONED ARGUMENT AND DEVELOP SOUND, FLUENT AND EFFECTIVE ANALYTICAL WRITING SKILLS
Application
Communication
Reflection

The main focus will be on self-instruction, within a tightly structured framework and relying largely (but not exclusively) on materials supplied. Week by week students will work through self-instructional course material (delivered via blackboard), which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking the specific tasks set. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but students will be expected to interact and share material and ideas with other students in their learning group and their tutor.

• Students’ own textbooks; supplied course packs of readings; e-books; e-journals; relevant websites.
• Blackboard VLE
• Computer with internet access

Booth, K., 2005. Critical security studies and world politics. Lynne Rienner Publishers, Boulder, Colo.
Collins, A., 2015. Contemporary Security Studies, 4. ed. OUP Oxford, New York, NY.
Dannreuther, R., 2013. International Security: The Contemporary Agenda, 2nd Revised edition edition. ed. Polity Press, Cambridge, UK¿; Malden, MA.
Hough, P., Malik, S., Moran, A., Pilbeam, B., 2015. International Security Studies: Theory and Practice. Routledge, London¿; New York, NY.
Smith, D.M.E., 2010. International Security: Politics, Policy, Prospects. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, Hampshire England¿; New York.
Williams, P.D. (Ed.), 2012. Security Studies: An Introduction, 2 edition. ed. Routledge, London¿; New York.