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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

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

This module offers an introduction to international security within the discipline of International Relations. It reviews debates around the concept of security and how these debates can inform our understanding of world politics. It assesses some of the principal theoretical approaches and perspectives on security and conflict. It also examines a range of topics in contemporary security studies, including the changing nature of conflict in the post-Cold War era, human security and humanitarian intervention, and the security dimensions environmental degradation, energy, and natural resources.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of security issues at the international and national levels
2. Understand and critically evaluate key theoretical debates in international security and critically assess their respective strengths and weaknesses
3. Use theoretical approaches to understand both “traditional” and “new” security issues in world politics
4. Use knowledge acquired in this module as a foundation for further study and research in their graduate taught programme



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

Indicative course outline
Please note, individual topics are subject to change.

Part I
Week 1: Defining Security & Security Studies; Week 2: Realism, Liberalism and International Security; Week 3: War, Causes of War, and Securitisation; Week 4: Just War, Humanitarian Intervention and R2P; Week 5: ‘Old’ Wars vs ‘New’ Wars; Week 6: Terrorism, Counter-terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism.

Part II
Week 7: Reading Week; Week 8: Security, Gender and Feminist Approaches; Week 9: Security, Resources and the Environment; Week 10: Optional Topic (to be chosen by class); Week 11: Optional Topic (to be chosen by class); Week 12: Review.

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

  • Paul D. Williams: 2013, Security Studies: An Introduction, Routledge, Abingdon,
  • Alan Collins: 2016, Contemporary Security Studies, 3rd edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
MISCMA in International Security & Conflict
Archives: