New Security Challenges (919M1)
New Security Challenges
Module 919M1
Module details for 2024/25.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
For much of the 20thcentury, Western academic institutions and policy circles defined security in predominantly state-centric terms, as the management of armed conflict between sovereign states. With the end of the Cold War, new sources of insecurity were identified and a ‘new agenda’ for security policy emerged. Links were drawn between security and issues such as the environment, development and the spread of infectious diseases. Events and processes such as 09/11 and the rapid development of cyberspace have caused further transformations in security thinking and policies. Engaging this wide and constantly changing field, New Security Challenges offers an advanced overview of contemporary security topics. Students will discuss different concepts of security, analyse how and why certain phenomena become labelled as ‘security issues’, and reflect upon the political and policy effects of such labelling.
Full Module Description
For much of the 20thcentury, Western academic institutions and policy circles defined security in predominantly state-centric terms, as the management of armed conflict between sovereign states. With the end of the Cold War, new sources of insecurity were identified and a ‘new agenda’ for security policy emerged. Links were drawn between security and issues such as the environment, development and the spread of infectious diseases. Events and processes such as 09/11 and the rapid development of cyberspace have caused further transformations in security thinking and policies. Engaging this wide and constantly changing field, New Security Challenges offers an advanced overview of contemporary security topics. Students will discuss different concepts of security, analyse how and why certain phenomena become labelled as ‘security issues’, and reflect upon the political and policy effects of such labelling.
Module learning outcomes
Understand the differences between the narrow and the broader security agenda.
Demonstrate knowledge of the kinds of actors, processes and strategies typically involved in contemporary security policy.
Formulate academically informed opinions about, and demonstrate knowledge in depth of, a broad range of contemporary security issues and the potential relations between them.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (5000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 2 Thu 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Melanie Richter-Montpetit
Assess convenor
/profiles/349663
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