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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title International Security
Module Code LG532
School School of Law & Government

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

INACTIVE - In the post 9/11 world, security is once again centre stage in global politics. The aim of this course is to familiarise students with the major theories and themes in security studies. The course is divided into two sections: Part One introduces students to the core issues of so-called 'hard' security, which dominated the twentieth century, while Part Two explores those so-called 'soft' security issues that have emerged since. Part One is mainstream, particularly realist, in its orientation, while the focus of Part Two is the literature and issues associated with 'new' security studies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse security issues from a theoretically informed perspective
2. Describe the development of the discipline of security studies over time
3. Assess security challenges in the international system
4. Propose solutions to security problems
5. Analyse security policies and defend or criticise the actions taken



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture11No Description
Seminars11No Description
Independent Study228No Description
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: Defining Security (& Security Studies)
Introduces the problem of defining security and the implications for both the practice and study of Security

Realism & International Security
Introduces the main theoretical approach to International Security

Causes of Conflict: WWI, WWII, & the Cold War
Applies Realism to the analysis of the outbreak of the three major conflicts in the 20th Century

New Wars & Failed States
Explores the transformation of warfare from WWII onwards and the shift in focus from Great Powers to failed states

Terrorism & Insurgency
Particularly since 9/11, Terrorism has become a central focus of Security Studies and practice. This section looks at what terrorism is, how it relates to insurgency and how it can be managed

'New' Security Studies
Since the end of the Cold War a number of new approaches to Security have emerged. These are explored in this section

: Risky Business: Security Governance and the issue of Control
Examines the bureacratic and risk based approach to counter-terrorism and security management

Women, Feminism, & International Security
How do gender and security interact? This section introduces feminist insights into our understanding of Security

Human Security
Traditional Security Studies focus on the state as the appropriate referent of Security, this section explores the implications of placing the individual at the centre of our understanding of what it means to be secure

Europe s Common Foreign & Security Policy
One of the most significant shifts in the global security landscape has been the emergence of the European Union. As the EU now turns to look outward, this section asks what role will it have in the wider world and what type of security actor will it be?

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Baldwin, David: 0, Baldwin, David A. 1997. 'The Concept of Security'.  Review of International Studies 23(1) Buzan, Barry. 1991.  People, States and Fear: An Agenda for International Security Studies in the PostCold War Era (Second Ed.). New York: Harvester Wheatsheaf. In,
Other Resources

Programme or List of Programmes
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
LGPTPhD-track
MISCMA in International Security & Conflict
Archives: