Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Resources
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