Undergraduate Course: Foundations in Global Security (PLIT10154)
Course Outline
School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
Summary | This course discusses a range of contemporary security challenges providing a set of key concepts that help you develop an in-depth understanding of the post-Cold war geopolitical and strategic environment. It seeks to provide you with the analytical tools for analysing and assessing respective policy responses, and for developing critical perspectives that go beyond the mere explanation of political practice. In doing so, the course draws on a range of International Relations theories, illustrating ways in which various approaches can serve as a framework for analysing global and regional security. The course places particular emphasis on the dichotomy between problem-solving and critical approaches to the study of global security and this is also reflected in the way it is assessed: the policy brief challenges your problem-solving skills whereas the essay and the tutorial discussions give you room for critical reflection. |
Course description |
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the dynamics shaping global security. It not only highlights the role of power politics but also broadens the scope to encompass non-conventional security issues and actors. The course presents a rich tapestry of perspectives on global security, merging traditional approaches with the latest in critical security studies. We critically examine the foundational ideas underpinning theoretical frameworks, including realism and liberalism. We also delve into contributions from renowned security research schools, such as the Copenhagen and Paris Schools. The course covers both critical and non-traditional security approaches, including feminist perspectives, every day (in)security, and the psychology of security. At its heart, the course challenges students to address three pivotal questions: security for whom, security of what, and security from which 'threat'? Potential topics include Democratic Peace Theory, Just War Theory, the Politics of Securitisation (and Migration), the Psychology of Interstate Rivalries, Health Security, Human Security, Environmental Security, and Decolonising Security.
Classes are structured into weekly lectures and tutorials. Lectures introduce key concepts and themes. Tutorials, on the other hand, offer an interactive platform for discussions centred around the week's topics. To ensure a deep understanding, students will engage with both theoretical constructs and real-world challenges, synthesising their insights into a policy brief and an analytical essay. Moreover, practical sessions will be held weekly, following the lecture. These sessions adopt a hands-on approach, covering activities like policy writing, debating and role-playing.
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Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 4 Politics/International Relations courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses.
** as numbers are limited, visiting students should contact the Visiting Student Office directly for admission to this course ** |
High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 95 |
Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 20,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 9,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
167 )
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Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
85 %,
Practical Exam
15 %
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Additional Information (Assessment) |
Policy Brief (1500 words) - 35%
Essay (2500 words) - 50%
Tutorial participation - 15% |
Feedback |
Assessment will be by a policy brief on a range of set topics (35%), lecture and tutorial participation (15%) and an essay on a selection of set questions (50%). The policy brief aims to serve as an opportunity for students to test their ability to assess the nature of a problem and adopt a problem-solving approach. The essay in turn aims to assess students' ability to tackle a set question from a variety of perspectives, displaying critical thinking skills, using academic references and building on high-quality and peer-reviewed literature. The participation component is based on attendance and in-class participation in group discussion and exercises set by the course organiser.
Formative assessment: Students can consult with their tutors and/or the course organiser and lecturers on various components of assessment of this course. |
No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- understand how Global Security theory applies to international security.
- understand key aspects of international security.
- search relevant literature and sources.
- develop presentation and discussion skills, nurtured in the tutorials.
- demonstrate factual knowledge about the post-cold war international system.
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Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
Course organiser | Dr Regan Burles
Tel:
Email: rburles@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Karen Leung
Tel:
Email: Karen.Leung@ed.ac.uk |
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