Hopp til hovedinnhold

Security in the 21st Century - INT6140 (10 sp)

This course builds on traditional security studies but moves a step beyond to include critical approaches to security studies as well.

Opptakskrav: Generell studiekompetanse
Studiested: Nettstudier og Campus i Oslo
Studiestart: Høst og vår
Lånekassen: Godkjent
Eksamen: Nettbasert
Fysisk oppmøte: Ja
Samling: Nei

 

Dette emnet undervises på engelsk og beskrives derfor på engelsk.

About the Course:

The goal is to examine contemporary security threats and topics through a variety of theoretical approaches, going beyond the traditional canon of international relations theory. The class will investigate traditional and new security studies questions through a critical lens, for example by asking how norms, identity, narratives, and ideology can help us understand the definition, construction, and response to ‘security’. Topics include climate change, (dis-)information, technology, gender, and more.

The goal is to provide students with empirical and theoretical tools to analyze both traditional and contemporary issues within security studies, hopefully gaining a deeper understanding of international relations in general

The candidate shall be able to...

Knowledge

  • Understand and analyse core concepts of the course as defined by the syllabus.
  • Understand and explain the history of security studies as an academic field.
  • Understand and explain important concepts in traditional security studies.
  • Understand and explain important concepts in critical security studies.
  • Analyze global trends in security studies and policies.

Skills

  • Analyze and discuss material explanations in security studies.
  • Analyze and discuss ideational explanations in security studies.
  • Analyze the dynamic between different levels of analysis (sub-national, state- and international level).
  • Discuss and present key topics.
  • Produce a written assignment by a set deadline.

Competence

  • Identify and discuss academic challenges (methodological and theoretical) related to security studies research.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of how states define and promote their national security interests.
  • Critically evaluate the use of the term "security" in public discourse.

Assessment

Requirement:

The requirements must be passed in accordance to given deadline in order to register for the exams. Developing your own research essay in two stages:

  • Written assignment 1: Present the topic of your research essay, your thesis question and the preliminary literature you have consulted (500-750 words) (Pass/fail).
  • Written assignment 2: Present your main argument and an outline of the essay (750-1000 words). (Pass/fail).
  • Compulsory attendance. Students must attend a minimum of 8 lectures with following seminars (pass/fail). Only applicable for campus based students.

Exam

This course consists of one final essay that constitutes the final grade:

  • Take home exam (individual essay); 3500 words (+/- 10 % excluding front page and reference list) (100 % of the grade, grading system A – F).