Unit information: Critical Security Studies in 2011/12

Unit name	Critical Security Studies
Unit code	POLI31384
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Peoples
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will introduce students to the 'critical turn' in the study of global security by tracing the move away from a state-centred militaristic approach to security. In contrast a variety of emerging schools of thought will be examined. These schools detail a more expansive conception of security that involves issues spanning economic, social, political and environmental spheres. The unit is divided into two main parts. The first part, 'Theories', will survey the newly extended and contested theoretical terrain of Critical Security Studies including 'securitization theory', post-Marxist approaches, feminism and postcolonial approaches. The second part, 'Emerging Practices', will allow students to assess the usefulness of these various theoretical approaches in assessing a diverse range of issues in contemporary security practices. Cases examined will include: Homeland Security and the War on Terror; Environmental Degradation and Resource Scarcity; Technology and Warfare in the Information Age; Human Security and Development; and Migration and Border Security.

Aims:

• To introduce students to a variety of critical approaches to contemporary security

• To familiarise students with key ideas, concepts, and issues in critical security studies

• To explore the benefits and drawbacks of employing an expanded conception of security that encompasses economic, social, political and environmental spheres as well as traditional military issues

• To stimulate critical reflection on contemporary security practices .

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit students will:

• Demonstrate knowledge of multiple critical frameworks for thinking about security

• Demonstrate knowledge of key ideas, concepts and texts in critical security studies

• Have an ability to understand and assess key contemporary issues in international security and contemporary security practices

• Have an ability to engage in constructive discussion in a seminar setting

• Have an ability to plan and write a well-structured essay, including proper academic referencing and bibliography

• Have an ability to write well-structured exam answers.

Teaching Information

Option 1 – A 1hr lecture and 2 hour seminar

Option 2 – A 3 hr seminar

Assessment Information

• Essay 40%
• Unseen exam 60%

Reading and References

• Booth, Ken (Ed.), (2005) Critical Security Studies and World Politics, London: Lynne Rienner.

• Collins, Alan (Ed.), (2007) Contemporary Security Studies, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• Fierke, Karen M. (2007), Critical Approaches to International Security, Cambridge: Polity Press.

• Sheehan, Michael (2005), International Security: An Analytical Survey, London: Lynne Rienner.

• Williams, Michael C. and Keith Krause (Eds) (1997) Critical Security Studies: Concepts and Cases, Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.

• Williams, Paul D. (Ed.), (2008) Security Studies: An Introduction, Abingdon: Routledge.