Module SGIA1071: International Security, Interdependence and Organisation

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA1071: International Security, Interdependence and Organisation

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This course introduces students to the major theoretical and analytical problems in the fields of international security, interdependence and organization. Students will gain detailed and specific knowledge in the following areas: the concept and/or historical philosophy of war, the meaning of interdependence and various mechanisms by which practices of interdependence are achieved in global/international politics, security and different framings of security in the academic literature.

Content

• The module is made up of lectures and seminars. Lectures will provide general overviews. Typical indicative content includes:
• The conceptual and analytical discussion concerning the use of coercive force between organised political units in international relations, including for example, the study of war, conflict and security, and their respective historical contexts in the global/international order.
• Processes of interdependence among states, and related modes of global governance, including the emergence and role of international organisations such as, for example, the UN and the EU.
• The international order and the role of regimes and organizations in imposing some degree of predictability on inter-state relations.
• Different conceptual tools that help explain changes in the global security environment, such as “hegemony” and “society.”

Learning Outcomes

• Subject specific knowledge will typically include:
• An awareness of the principal issues and problems involved in the study of war, security and interdependence in international relations, with more detailed knowledge of specific aspects of the organization of peace, though regimes and institutions;
• A recognition of basic theories, concepts and principles used in the analysis of different kinds of political violence, and the continuing discussion of security as a changing concept.
• An understanding of the attempted organization of security by major international institutions, such as the UN and its agencies at the global level and European institutions at a regional level.
• An appreciation for foundational methods of conducting political analysis in international security.,

• Subject specific skills will typically include:
• The ability to accurately describe and summarise the academic literature in this area, both theoretical and empirical;
• Foundational ability to identify competing conceptualisations and understandings for the framing of war, security and international organizations, and the capacity to offer critical assessments as to their relative merit;
• Show an appreciation for the changing comparative and historical context of the subject area and some ability to assess the claims of political science to explain this context;
• Recognising the need, and developing the capacity, for a self-critical and independent approach to learning.

• Key skills will typically include:
• Accessing and utilising resources, both with direction and independently;
• Foundational research techniques in political analysis of the international context, including the capacity to identify, and differentiate between, research sources according to their suitability and quality;
• Planning and writing academic assignments under time pressure and without recourse to supporting materials;
• The ability to take responsibility for the planning and completion of their work within an agreed framework of expectations.
• The ability to work effectively in groups

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module delivers a mixture of teaching and learning activities, including lectures, seminars, presentations and the submission of written work. Lectures provide an established basis for the delivery of core knowledge on the subject areas and provide an opportunity for staff to indicate the methods of academic analysis appropriate to these subject areas. Small group seminars provide an environment in which students can debate and discuss theories, concepts and issues in order to help them assess the merits of various positions. Group simulation exercises provide students with an innovative learning environment, where they can develop their organisational and communication skills. They will also allow students to achieve an understanding of the internal dynamics of international organisations by engaging as participants in intra-institutional bargaining.
• Summative assessment is primarily by a final written unseen examination in which students will be tested for their subject-specific knowledge in relation to the learning outcomes and the departmental assessment criteria. Further summative assessment is through a group presentation film analysis where students will choose one film from a pre-arranged list as the subject of their analysis; students are expected to apply concepts and theories covered in the module.
• Formative assessment through essays and presentations gives students an opportunity to practice the written and oral communication of the knowledge they obtain during the course. It also provides feedback on their level of success in achieving the learning outcomes of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 1,500 word essay. Group presentation delivered in tutorials throughout the second term.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University