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Introduction to Critical Global Security Studies - POL00048I

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  • Department: Politics
  • Module co-ordinator: Ms. Elisabeth Schweiger
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

The module provides in-depth immersion into some of the most pressing issues in contemporary security. It offers a comprehensive survey of the most important approaches and concepts in Security Studies, showcasing its intellectual roots, diversity and cutting-edge developments. It engages with key concepts like threat, risk, securitization and vulnerability. It covers the most important theoretical approaches in the field of Security Studies - including realism, feminism, critical theory and postcolonial perspectives. It delves into fundamental controversies in security debates, such as: the tension between security and freedom; the importance of gender in security analysis; border politics; and the relationship between security, culture and religion. Through a range of seminar activities including group discussion, simulations and roleplay exercises, the module has also been designed to enable the development of analytical and communication skills, namely critical thinking, data analysis and problem-solving skills.

Module learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of, and critically evaluate, the most important theoretical paradigms in Security Studies;
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of some of the most important problems and puzzles in the contemporary security landscape;

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
4-hr Open Exam		 4 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
4-hr Open Exam		 4 hours 100

Module feedback

Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutors feedback and guidance hours.

Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 20 working days; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutors regular feedback and guidance hours.

Indicative reading

Alan Collins (ed) Contemporary Security Studies, 4th ed, Oxford University Press, 2015.

Paul D. Williams (ed) Security Studies: An Introduction, 2nd ed, Routledge, 2012.

Columba Peoples and Nick Vaughan-Williams, Critical Security Studies: An Introduction, 2nd ed, Routledge, 2014.

Karin Fierke, Critical Approaches to International Security, 2nd ed, Polity, 2015.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.