APG5332 - Security and securitisation - 2017

The unit provides a critical understanding of the politics, which informs the conceptualisation of security and securitisation within the field of International Relations. Central to the debates around security are issues of power, language, discourse and subjectivity; who/what is to be 'secured', by what means? The unit covers a broad range of topics around traditional realist and critical conceptualisations of security, with particular focus on the Copenhagen and Aberystwyth Schools, Postcolonial and Feminist Security Studies. The conceptual understandings of security and the articulation of 'threats' will be further applied to specific case studies for a deeper engagement.

Upon completion of this unit, students will have:

1. An ability to critically engage in key debates framing global politics and international relations around the issue of 'security'.
2. An ability to work in and adapt to a variety of different cultural and professional environments
3. An ability to display intricate knowledge of a variety of value and ethical systems, and conduct themselves professionally in all working environments
4. An ability to be innovators in their chosen field
5. An ability to apply the highest standard of analytical and critical skills
6. An ability to design and manage large and focused research projects
7. An ability to communicate succinctly, directly, and highly effectively

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Steven Zech

Governance and security

International relations

ATS4332, APG4332