International Security

This unit provides an introduction to security studies, a field of inquiry that examines the political processes through which people seek security within the realm of international politics. The unit adopts a historical approach to the examination of this subject: we shall consider how our understandings of security have changed over time, which types of political actors have been most responsible for the maintenance of security, and what types of strategies these actors have adopted in their pursuit of security. Thus, this unit offers students the opportunity to examine some of the most important issues facing the international political system today.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Interrogate concepts and theories relating to the field of security studies and assess their relevance to events in international politics;
2. Probe complex security problems and develop a research project designed to elucidate these problems;
3. Critically review literature related to the field of security studies and employ that literature in the construction of a convincing research report; and
4. Reflect upon concepts, theories and events in the field of security and elaborate on their relevance and application in a clear and persuasive manner.