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PO231-15 International Security

Department
Politics & International Studies
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Thomas Tyerman
Credit value
15
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

Security concerns play a dominant role in world politics alike. From traditional concerns about the use of military force to new threats such as poverty, climate change, and cyber-attacks, security issues, occupy a prime-spot on the policy agendas of states, international organisations, and civil society actors.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to theories, concepts, and practices of international security. It introduces students to the study of strategy and warfare, debates about the meaning and scope of security, and key security actors, institutions, and mechanisms in world politics. Simultaneously, we reflect on how we might think about security differently.

Module aims

The principal aims of this module are:

  • To provide students with a comprehensive guide to debates about the meaning of security in international relations.
  • To familiarise students with key issues surrounding the use and threat of force in international politics.
  • To critically analyse a series of ‘new’ security challenges fundamental for understanding the contemporary security environment and agenda.
  • To facilitate research-based examination of security issues, actors and dynamics.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

TBC

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the key concepts and theoretical debates in international political economy
  • Critically evaluate the merits of competing explanations and theoretical perspectives in accounting for developments in contemporary political economy
  • Explore the relationships between states and markets through a study of key theories and issues in political economy
  • Apply political economy insights to analyse particular themes and cases
  • Demonstrate good written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrate good investigative and retrieval skills, including familiarity with information technology

Indicative reading list

Term 1: https://rl.talis.com/3/warwick/lists/3FAE0073-0721-4BEB-E42A-B2A1BC929B0C.html
Term 2: https://rl.talis.com/3/warwick/lists/1F86B72F-9251-6ADA-FEAE-ED495C765388.html

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

TBC

Transferable skills

TBC

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%)
Seminars 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%)
Private study 132 hours (88%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

TBC

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A1
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
3000 Word Essay 100% Yes (extension)

2,500 word essay

Feedback on assessment

Essays are marked according to criteria set out in the Undergraduate Handbook.

There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.