Current Issues of International Security

Teacher(s)

Aoun Elena;

Language

English

Prerequisites

International politics; International Relations theories

Main themes

This seminar tackles major issues related to international security through the study of topical cases. It is interested in both traditional and non-traditional approaches to international security

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of this seminar, the student will be able to identify and isolate an international security issue and analyze it thoroughly according to academic standards. The student will be able to use major contemporary theories and concepts in the field. S.he will therefore be able to use them in the framework of a case-study through a rigorous and properly documented analysis. The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled 'Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit'.

Content

This seminar tackles the evolutions in the conceptualization of international security and related debates. It offers an overview of the major traditional and non-traditional theoretical orientations in the field and provides the students with methodological tools necessary for the analysis of an international security issue or conflict. Each year, specific situations will serve as case studies to apply the theories and reflect on their use.

Teaching methods

The first lectures will initiate the students to the core issues of international security and their evolution, and will provide them with the appropriate theoretical, conceptual, methodological and contextual frames. Subsequent sessions will revolve around the work of student groups  and ensuing debates overseen by the professor. A role play or a lecture by an expert on a specific aspect of international security will be scheduled around the mid-term.

Evaluation methods

The evaluation will be based on an oral presentation (group level) and a related research paper each student will individually submit at the end of the term. Participation in discussions and other course-related activities (such as conferences) will also be taken into account for course completion. 
The overall grade will be based on:

• A group grade: presentation (35% of the final grade)
• Two individual grades:
  • Participation in discussions and other course-related activities (15 % of the final grade)
  • An individual "research paper" (50% of the final grade).

Please note that:

• The “participation” and “group presentation” components cannot be retaken during the second exam session. 
• Success in the “presentation” component and the written research assignment is essential to demonstrate the skills and knowledge defined in the learning outcomes for this course. An “absence” or “failure” (<10/20) on either of these assessments results in a mark of “absent” or “fail” for the entire course unit.
• The use of artificial intelligence for the various assignments is governed by the rules outlined in the faculty memo.
• Any assignment that does not respect the appropriate citation rules and permitted uses of AI will be considered a failure.
• Additional details are provided at the beginning of the year in the course guide.

Other information

Material: Powerpoint and reading lists

Online resources

Moodle

Bibliography

Buzan, B. and Hansen, L., The evolution of international security studies, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2009
Caballero-Anthony, M. (ed.) An introduction to non-traditional security studies. A transnational approach, Los Angeles: Sage, 2016
Peoples, C. & Vaughan-Williams, N., Critical Security Studies An Introduction, 3rd edition, London, New York: Routledge, 2021

Faculty or entity

> PSAD