Contemporary Security Challenges

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to appraise the major security challenges dominating world affairs today.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop and present policy options at national and international levels
• Demonstrate the ability to solve problems in groups and individually

Drawing on a wide span of interdisciplinary research and information, Contemporary Security Challenges examines key security issues affecting global security. Through a series of in-depth, research-led seminars, students will have opportunities to explore the core security issues through a number of case studies and simulations. The topics to be covered are likely to include war and conflict, nuclear weapons, terrorism, cyber threats, the UN, drone violence, disease and security, the environment and climate change, and intelligence and the surveillance state.

Teaching and learning methods

Student learning will be achieved through a combination of interactive lectures, group-based tutorial discussions and debates, case studies, simulations and independent study. Learning activities and assignments are designed to encourage critical thinking, intellectual autonomy and evidence-based argument.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Barry Buzan, Ole Waever, and Jaap de Wilde (1998). Security. A New Framework for Analysis. Lynne Reinner.

J Grieco, J Ikenberry, M Mastanduno, eds (2015). Introduction to International Relations. Palgrave.

Sean Lynn-Jones and Steven Miller (eds.) (1995). Global Dangers: Changing Dimensions of International Security. MIT press.

P.D. Williams, ed (2012). Security Studies: An Introduction. London: Routledge.

Barry Buzan and Ole Weaver. Regions and Powers. Cambridge University Press.

Lawrence Freedman, ed., (1994). War. Oxford University Press.

Peter Hough (2008). Understanding Global Security. Routledge.

Stephen Van Evera. Causes of War: Power and the Roots of Conflict.

Michael Doyle. Ways of war and peace. London: Norton.

Ken Booth, ed (1998). Statecraft and Security. The Cold War and Beyond. Cambridge University Press.

Michael Doyle. Ways of War and Peace. London: Norton.

John Baylis, James Wirtz, Colin S. Gray (2012). Strategy in the Contemporary World. Oxford University Press.

Barry Buzan and Lene Harrison (2009). The Evolution of International Security Studies. CUP.

Emanuel Adler and Michael Barnett, eds (1998). Security Communities. Cambridge University Press.

R.M. Price (2004). The UN and Global Security.

J. Ann Tickner (1992). Gender and International Relations. Cornell University Press.

Michael Clarke (ed.), (1995). New Perspectives on Security. Brassey’s.

Alan Collins, eds., (2012). Contemporary Security Studies. Oxford University Press.

Edward .Kolodiej (2005). Security and International Relations. CUP.

Stuart Croft and Terry Terriff, eds (2000). Critical Reflections on Security and Change. Frank Cass.

Michael Klare and Y Chandrani (1998). World Security: Challenges for a New Century. St Martin’s Press.

Barry Buzan (1991). People, States and Fear. Harvester Wheatsheaf.

Richard K Betts (2012). Conflict After the Cold War. Pearson.

Assessment strategy

Students will be assessed through an essay and case study.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External