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AMST40700

Academic Year 2025/2026

Cyber, AI and Intern Conflict (AMST40700)

Subject:
American Studies
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Centre For American Studies
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Eugenio Lilli
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In the 21st century, the landscape of international conflict is being fundamentally reshaped by emerging technologies. This module explores how cyber capabilities and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the conduct of international affairs, particularly in the realms of security, diplomacy, and warfare. From cyberattacks on critical infrastructure to AI-enabled surveillance and autonomous weapons systems, states and non-state actors alike are leveraging these tools to pursue strategic objectives in ways that challenge traditional understandings of power, sovereignty, and accountability.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, you will be equipped to critically evaluate how emerging technologies intersect with state behavior and to consider the future of conflict in an increasingly digital world.

Indicative Module Content:

- The Origins of the Internet
- Conceptualizing Cyber Power
- The Cyber War Debate
- The AI Commander Problem
- Deterrence in Cyber Space
- Influence Operations through Social Media
- AI, Disinformation, and Democracy
- Cyber Proxies
- Cyber and Terrorism

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

24
Autonomous Student Learning

176
Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key teaching and learning approaches used in the module include:
- Lectures
- In-class peer and group work
- Active/task-based learning;

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

No particular previous knowledge of IT is required. However, it would be very useful to familiarize with the language, concepts, and politics of cyber security by reading tech-centered newsletters like POLITICO 'Morning Cyber Security' or The Washington Post 'Cybersecurity 202' or similar.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Weekly short written analysis of the relevant readings. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
10
 No
Exam (In-person): The exam consist of short answer questions covering the material discussed in the module. End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Graded No
90
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive individual and group feedback on their in-class activities throughout the duration of the module. Feedback on end-of-term coursework will instead be provided individually if requested.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
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