International Security and the Global South

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Share the learning experience by preparing for and contributing respectfully to class discussions.
• Identify and harness quality sources of information and ideas to support your arguments.
• Seek advice and feedback from the Convenor on writing in an academic style.
• Adhere conscientiously to the principles of academic integrity.
• Take the time to proofread your written work, avoid exceeding the word limit, and submit work on time.

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to integrate theoretical and empirical knowledge when explaining or advancing arguments about security.
• Identify, analyse and critique the political and/or ethical assumptions underpinning particular security policies and practices.
• Distinguish between and engage in different modes of theoretical reasoning applicable to claimed security problems.
• Identify and explain contending theories of security.
• Critically assess the applicability of descriptive and normative security theories to past and present political challenges arising in world affairs.
• Generate new, theory-driven ideas for responding effectively and ethically to claimed security problems.
• Identify, analyse and critique the political and/or ethical assumptions underpinning particular security policies and practices.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply and improve your research skills using library resources (hardcopy and electronic) and the internet.
• Communicate information and ideas in verbal and written form to a professional standard.

During the 21st century, security threats have transformed and multiplied exponentially across the world. These challenges range from the traditional, such as strategic rivalries among great and rising powers, nuclear proliferation, and global responses to terrorism, to the more contemporary challenges (posed by states and non-state actors alike), such as climate change, cyber threats, loss of biodiversity, popularism, immigration, and human rights violations, etc. These challenges impose new constraints on every single one of us, and if not resolved, can have dire consequences. Yet, addressing these challenges and threats in/from the Global South (GS) is not studied appropriately. Traditionally, security studies is over-emphasis the study of western great powers issues and cases, and ignoring the GS, despite the fact that (1) the vast majority of world population are living in Asia, Africa, and South America; (2) most urgent risks and threats to world stability and peace (including WMD) is either coming, involving, or taking place in countries from the GS.

To avoid the deep theory–practice dichotomy in security studies that is responsible for making students usually being under-qualified, this wide interdisciplinary course is bridging this gap to produce a fully equipped students with concepts, theories, strategies, and solutions of urgent (yet understudied) contemporary international security challenges of the GS. In this course, beside canonical scholarships, students will discuss the key literature, concepts, and innovative interdisciplinary perspectives of international security (e.g., postcolonial, decolonial, and gendered approaches), and critically engage with texts discussing and analyse governance approaches how different actors and decision-makers conceptualize and manage security challenges of the GS. Secondly, it tackles most pressing international security issues and crises in the GS, in help them understanding the complex and entangled historical, social, technological, and military aspects of international politics since the end of the world war II and aftermath, which comprehensively and practically help them unpack their causes and effects across the world, as well as analyses varied cases and strategies to qualify them and improve their transferable and analytical skills and independent and critical thinking.

After taking this wide interdisciplinary course, and by using advanced research on risk analysis and decision-making, and utilising real-world case studies, simulations and scenarios, students should have acquired the necessary understanding of both theoretical concepts and how to apply advanced interdisciplinary skills and knowledge in addressing global contemporary international security issues. For instance, the depth and breadth of the course offering stimulate students to expand their conceptual understanding when thinking about security issues and threats, which will qualify them to write a rigour master’s thesis. Moreover, most importantly, professionally speaking, students will be capable of understanding the real-world policy implications of these security challenges, which will help them to have the opportunity to develop policy-relevant proposals, obtain and develop the skills needed to effectively negotiate and manage the often-competing demands of security, and find practical solutions to the dilemmas they.

Teaching and learning methods

In International Security and the Global South, student learning is facilitated through a series of in-person lectures and seminars, held through Collaborate on the module’s Blackboard page, as well as through extensive independent study. You are encouraged also to consult the Module Convenor on a one-to-one basis during weekly Advice and Feedback Hours. Learning activities and assessment tasks are designed to encourage critical and creative thinking, scholarly self-discipline, intellectual autonomy, and evidence-based argument.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.