Students own text books, e-books and on-line journal articles accessed from the University Library, other recommended on-line sources, such as the website of think tanks and information posted on Blackboard by the tutor.

This module will examine a range of topical international/global security issues beginning with security theory including levels of analysis and actors in the system. It will then look at specific issues of current concern such as: WMD proliferation; the South China Sea; resource (water) scarcity; migration; UAVs; and terrorism. It will examine these issues conceptually and in the context of appropriate regions including South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

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 (24 hours). The module will run over 12 weeks.

Key Information Set Data:
16% scheduled learning and teaching activities
84% guided independent learning

Reflective Portfolio - 1000 words with a 25% weighting (Learning outcomes 1-5)

Participation on Discussion Board - 15% weighting (Learning outcomes 1-5)

Essay - 3000 words with a 60% weighting (Learning outcomes 1-5)

Key Information Set Data:
85% coursework
15% practical exams [skills assessment and presentations]

Craig A Snyder (ed), Contemporary Security and Strategy(3rd ed),Palgrave, 2012.
Alan Collins (ed), Contemporary Security Studies, (3rd ed), OUP, 2013 (includes online resources)
Paul D Williams, Security Studies; A reader, (2nd ed) Routledge, 2012.

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF KEY SECURITY ISSUES.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SECURITY ISSUES IN PARTICULAR REGIONS OF THE WORLD.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

3. APPLY CONCEPTUAL MATERIAL LEARNED TO REGIONAL CASE STUDIES.
[Analysis; Reflection]

4. CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE NATURE AND SERIOUSNESS OF SECURITY THREATS IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD.
[Analysis; Enquiry; Problem Solving; Reflection]

5. WRITE COHERENTLY AND FOLLOWING NORMAL ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS ABOUT IDEAS, THEORIES AND PARTICULAR CASES.
[Communication]