War & the Politics of (Counter) Insurgen (959M1)
War and the Politics of (Counter) Insurgency
Module 959M1
Module details for 2022/23.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
The general aim of this course is to provide students with a strong foundation in the conceptual, strategic and ethical issues related to irregular warfare. Whilst looking at in-depth historical case studies of irregular warfare, the course will reveal how varieties of irregular warfare have risen to prominence during the twentieth century. This course will, in particular, trace the evolutionary phases of insurgency and counter-insurgency from the Maoist version of the "people's war" in China to the development of global jihad. The course will particularly focus on the dilemmas and problems that conventional militaries have faced in trying to adapt to irregular warfare and explore the issue of whether or not the military is the ideal instrument in defeating insurgencies. This course, furthermore, aims to familiarise students to the sub-types of irregular warfare. It is useful to have a basic knowledge of twentieth century history, as this will comprise some of the case study subject matter discussed in this seminar, but this is not indispensable as background readings will be provided for any of the cases examined.
Module learning outcomes
A comprehensive understanding of the conceptual issues associated with the definition and study of irregular warfare, and particularly, of insurgency and counter-insurgency.
An awareness of the competing theories and practices of irregular warfare.
An understanding of the kinds of predicaments, including political and ethical dilemmas, produced by irregular warfare activities.
Develop key research as well as written and oral skills through research papers and oral presentations in the seminar programme.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (5000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Mx Emilia Moscardini-Powers
Assess convenor
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Dr Melanie Richter-Montpetit
Assess convenor
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