1. CRITICALLY AND COMPREHENSIVELY UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF STRATEGIC THEORY AS A BASIS FOR POLICY AND AS AN INTELLECTUAL EXERCISE.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. REVIEW CRITICALLY SOPHISTICATED THEORIES OF DETERRENCE AND ARMS RACES AND BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE KEY THEORISTS.
[Analysis; Knowledge and Understanding; Reflection]

3. APPLY ALTERNATIVE ADVANCED THEORIZATIONS IN A CRITICAL MANNER.
[Analysis; Enquiry; Problem Solving; Reflection]

4. CRITICALLY UNDERSTAND NORTH-SOUTH SECURITY CONCERNS.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

The first essay will require you to apply conceptual and theoretical insight to historical or contemporary material specific to the course [Meets learning Outcomes 1,3]

The second essay will require you to show your overall appreciation of the concerns of the module. It will enable you to demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of the module and your flexibility in applying your knowledge to specific concerns. [Meets learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4]

The virtual seminar presentation will require you to focus precisely and concisely on a narrow topic, analyse it and communicate your conclusions to the group [meets Learning Outcomes 2,3]

You are required to participate in and contribute substantially to at least 5 weeks of the weekly discussions, in addition to the week in which you present your virtual seminar.[meets learning outcomes 1,2,3]

This module explores the changing nature of security studies from origins in the study of military strategy. The theories of Sun Tzu and Clausewitz. War as policy and the importance of strategic theory. Interwar theories of strategic bombing and the experience of the Second World War: Douhet and Trenchard. Vulnerability of the state. Theories of deterrence and the nuclear age. Political realism and nuclear weapons. Wohlstetter, Kahn and Schelling. The evolution of NATO strategy. Theories of arms races and arms control. Peace Research as critique and alternative perspective. Wright, Richardson and Galtung. North-South security issues. Post-cold war security. The 'new security architecture' in Europe. NATO, Partnership for Peace and OSCE. Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction: State and non-state threats. Critical security studies.

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 you 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 at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your learning group and your tutor. (24 hours) - Learners to access guidance on on-line resources available via the web and the university's e-resources pages. The readings will provide:

- An essential knowledge base for the module which will be available to all learners. - A resource for coursework and all assessed assignments.

- A point of departure for the structured activities set for learners. Learners will be expected to engage fully and critically with the resources and activities that are provided and to engage in detailed discussion with tutors and other learners. Tutors will give online academic support and guidance to learners throughout the lifetime of the module and will respond on a timely basis.

Bjorgo, T. (ed) (2005) Root Causes of Terrorism: Myths, Realities and Ways Forward, London: Routledge.

Crenshaw, M. (2011) Explaining Terrorism: Causes, Processes and Consequences, New York: Routledge.

Fest, K.A. (2011) America Responds to Terrorism: Conflict Resolution Strategies of Clinton, Bush, and Obama, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Herschinger, E. (2011) Constructing Global Enemies: Hegemony and Identity in International Discourses on Terrorism and Drug Prohibition, New York: Routledge.

Martin, G. (2011) Essentials of Terrorism: Concepts and Controversies, Los Angeles: Sage.

Pedahzur, A. (ed) (2007) Root Causes of Suicide Terrorism: The Globalization of Martyrdom, New York: Routledge.

Sageman, M. (2007) Leaderless Jihad: Terror Networks in the Twenty-First Century, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

Silke, A. (2004) Research on Terrorism: Trends, Achievements and Failures, Abingdon, Oxon, Routledge.

Webel, C.P. and J.A. Arnaldi (eds) (2011) The Ethics and Efficacy of the Global War on Terrorism: Fighting Terror with Terror, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

University Library
ebrary resources
Blackboard
Internet Access

The first essay will require you to apply conceptual and theoretical insight to historical or contemporary material specific to the course. [2,000 words, Learning Outcomes 1,3]

The second essay will require you to show your overall appreciation of the concerns of the module. It will enable you to demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of the module and your flexibility in applying your knowledge to specific concerns. [3,000 words, Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4]

The briefing report (1000 words) will require you to focus precisely and concisely on a narrow topic, analyse it and communicate your conclusions [Learning Outcomes1,2,3,4]

Participation grade ensures you get credit for the work you do on the weekly discussion board. The more you engage, the highter your participation grade will be [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3)