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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Conflict, Security and Peace
Module Code LG233
School School of Law & Government
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Paul O'Keeffe
Semester 2: Paul O'Keeffe
Autumn: Paul O'Keeffe
Module TeachersAdam McAuley
Kenneth McDonagh
Harikrishnan Sasikumar
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
None
Array
Description

This module introduces students to studying international security and conflict. It explores the main debates in the academic literature on security and conflict in the contemporary world and the implications for security and conflict in the 21st Century. The module is divided in three parts. The first part examines the conventional and critical theories and approaches to security studies. The second part discusses different types of conflicts and the international response and interventions to maintain and restore peace and security. The third part focuses on international peacebuilding and statebuilding in post-conflict societies and explores the theories and practices underpinning the current efforts of the international community for building peace and state in the aftermath of violent conflicts and civil wars.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and comparatively analyse the main theoretical approaches to international security and conflict.
2. Analyse the challenges that security practitioners face in the contemporary world and apply theoretical knowledge to real world cases.
3. Critically engage with the scholarly literature on security, conflict, peace, and development.
4. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the cases introduced during the course



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture10weekly lectures
Tutorial10weekly tutorials
Independent Study230reading, reflection, preparation for continuous assessment
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction
Overview of module and defining security studies

Theories on international security I
Conventional perspectives on security (realism and liberalism)

Theories on international security II
Critical perspectives on security (securitization theory, postcolonialism and feminism)

Conflict, (in)security and peace since 1945
The state of international peace, security and conflict since 1945 - 'new' and 'old' wars?

Terrorism
Terrorism, counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism

Security and international development
Security, global development and humanitarian intervention

International security architecture
The multilateralism, the UN, and peacekeeping

Post-conflict peacebuilding
Sustainable peace, state-building and civil society participation in post-conflict contexts

Security in the 21st Century: Global challenges?
Whether climate, displacement and health crises constitute 'security' issues

Review class
Review key lessons from the module, consider their application to current and future security challenges

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
ParticipationWeekly online activity to prepare for tutorial discussion15%n/a
AssignmentEssay proposal15%n/a
EssayResearch essay70%Week 12
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Williams, Paul D. and McDonald, Matt (Eds).: 2018, Security Studies: An Introduction (available as ebook in library), 3rd edition, Routledge, New York,
  • Hughes, Christopher W. and Lai, Yew Meng (Eds.): 2011, Security Studies: A Reader (available as ebook in library), 1st edition, Routledge, New York,
Other Resources

40524, other readings, 0, posted on Moodle,
Programme or List of Programmes
AFUAge Friendly University Programme
BAJIBachelor of Arts (BAJI)
BAJMBachelor of Arts (BAJM)
BAJPBachelor of Arts (BAJP)
IRBA in International Relations
Date of Last Revision01-FEB-12
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