POL36080 Theories of International Security and Critical Security Studies

Academic Year 2021/2022

Recent events such as the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements, modern terrorism, the migrant 'crisis', climate change, and disinformation represent security issues that cannot be explained by the classical state-centred approaches to international security. This course provides a critical evaluation of the traditional literature and introduces students to the subfield of critical security studies. Traditionally, International Relations and Security Studies have focused on the state as a referent object and relied on realist and (neo)liberal theories, the causes of war, strategy, deterrence, arms control or alliance theory to analyse the security arena. Instead, this course goes beyond the narrow conceptualization of security and examines who or what is being secured and for and by whom. Drawing on the constructivist, feminist, and poststructuralist critiques, this module challenges students to consider security beyond warfare and analyse diverse modern security issues.

While this interactive module has a broad theoretical component, the theory will be supplemented by a close examination of relevant case studies and contemporary security dilemmas. Additionally, students will be encouraged to identify and analyse everyday empirical examples whereby they can apply the theories discussed in class. Overall, students will recognize the various ways in which the ‘critical turn’ is different from mainstream security studies, outline and criticize critical theories of security, and apply critical theories of international security to political events and practical issues.

This module will be taught by a PhD candidate, Ms Natalia Umansky.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students will:

- gain knowledge of the different theoretical approaches in security studies.
- understand the differences between the critical approach to security and the traditional readings.
- outline and criticize critical theories of security, identifying distinct assumptions and claims and comparing and contrasting among them.
- understand various ways of empirically examining critical security questions.
- apply critical theories of international security to political events and practical dilemmas.
- identify real-life examples and applications of critical theories of security.

Moreover, students will also gain the following transferable skills:

- ability to understand the scientific literature, and in particular to identify research puzzles and knowledge gaps.
- construct persuasive written, and oral arguments supported by evidence, orally and in writing, about security issues from a critical perspective.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

103
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures; critical writing 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students complete the Foundations of Political Theory & International Relations (INRL10010) and/or Theories and Concepts in International Relations (INRL20040) modules before registering for this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Take-home Exam Coursework (End of Trimester) Yes Graded No

50
Continuous Assessment: Assignment 500 words, Group Presentation, Group Discussion Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

50

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

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.