Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU20725 Conflict and security |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX80CW20 |
| Requisites: |
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Aims:
* To provide students with the theoretical and conceptual tools with which to think critically and analytically about contemporary international conflict and security; * to explore the nature of contemporary conflict and security by analysing specific policy issues in regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia; * to be able to understand and explain the causes of war and the conditions of peace in the international system. Learning Outcomes: Students who successfully complete this unit will: * understand the main academic and scholarly debates on international conflict and security; * have a good knowledge of the contemporary international security agenda; * understand the dynamics of conflict and insecurity in key regions in the international system; * understand the causes of war and conflict and the conditions of peace. Skills: Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, teamwork and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Content: Lectures and seminars will cover the following main topics: * theories and concepts in international conflict and security * sovereignty and humanitarian intervention (case-study: the Balkans) * nuclear proliferation, ballistic missiles and WMD (case-study: North Korea, Iran and Iraq) * international terrorism (case-study: 9/11 and Al Qaeda) * failed states, poverty and under-development (case-study: Africa) * conflict in the Greater Middle East * Great Power politics (case-study: East Asia) * war and peace in the twenty-first century. |