Module overview
The module provides an overview of the main security challenges facing the world today. Drawing on classic and contemporary literature from International Relations and other academic disciplines, together with case studies, we consider such questions as: what are the main threats to security today and in the near future? What is the nature of these threats? From what and against whom? How might they be addressed? The module examines these questions in the context of the policy options that may be available. For students enrolled in the MSc International Security and Risk degree, the issue-based approach in Contemporary Security Challenges complements the theory- driven approach in the module Security Theory.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to develop and present policy options at national and international levels
- Demonstrate the ability to appraise the major security challenges dominating world affairs today.
- Demonstrate the ability to solve problems in groups and individually
Syllabus
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. The prospect of conflict between the US and China, security risks pertaining to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors, security challenges deriving from climate change, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Afghanistan and proxy wars, the Security State in the Middle East, and the Arab Spring.
Learning and Teaching
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.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 176 |
| Teaching | 24 |
| Total study time | 200 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Barry Buzan, Ole Waever, and Jaap de Wilde (1998). Security. A New Framework for Analysis. Lynne Reinner.
Edward .Kolodiej (2005). Security and International Relations. CUP.
Richard K Betts (2012). Conflict After the Cold War. Pearson.
Michael Doyle. Ways of War and Peace. London: Norton.
Barry Buzan and Ole Weaver. Regions and Powers. Cambridge University Press.
Emanuel Adler and Michael Barnett, eds (1998). Security Communities. Cambridge University Press.
Sean Lynn-Jones and Steven Miller (eds.) (1995). Global Dangers: Changing Dimensions of International Security. MIT press.
Stuart Croft and Terry Terriff, eds (2000). Critical Reflections on Security and Change. Frank Cass.
Michael Doyle. Ways of war and peace. London: Norton.
Barry Buzan and Lene Harrison (2009). The Evolution of International Security Studies. CUP.
Barry Buzan (1991). People, States and Fear. Harvester Wheatsheaf.
J Grieco, J Ikenberry, M Mastanduno, eds (2015). Introduction to International Relations. Palgrave.
R.M. Price (2004). The UN and Global Security.
Alan Collins, eds., (2012). Contemporary Security Studies. Oxford University Press.
P.D. Williams, ed (2012). Security Studies: An Introduction. London: Routledge.
John Baylis, James Wirtz, Colin S. Gray (2012). Strategy in the Contemporary World. Oxford University Press.
Michael Clarke (ed.), (1995). New Perspectives on Security. Brassey’s.
Stephen Van Evera. Causes of War: Power and the Roots of Conflict.
J. Ann Tickner (1992). Gender and International Relations. Cornell University Press.
Ken Booth, ed (1998). Statecraft and Security. The Cold War and Beyond. Cambridge University Press.
Lawrence Freedman, ed., (1994). War. Oxford University Press.
Peter Hough (2008). Understanding Global Security. Routledge.
Michael Klare and Y Chandrani (1998). World Security: Challenges for a New Century. St Martin’s Press.
Assessment
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 50% |
| Essay | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External