PIR-10060: Securing Global Order

1) To introduce students to the literature and recent developments in the field of security studies .

2) To introduce students to the applied analysis of the logic of argumentation within security texts.

3) To provide the context for the further development of a range of core study/employability skills at Level 1.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critically evaluate security practices. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Demonstrate the ability to recognise multiple perspectives through which global security issues can be understood and analysed will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Critically evaluate distinctions and interactions between global and local dimensions of of security issues their political implications will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Appraise the logic of argumentation in key security studies texts will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Distinguish between primary and secondary security studies sources will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Employ research evidence, security theories, and other data, in making judgments about International Relations issues will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3

Study hours

10 hours attendance at lectures
10 hours attendance at seminars
2 hours attendance at written examination
48 hours preparation for the ten plenary seminars, and preparing for the group presentation
40 hours reading, analysing, and writing the three applied skills exercises
40 hours researching and writing the essay

Description of Module Assessment

01: Essay weighted 70%

1500-word essay chosen from a list of given questions
1500-word essay chosen from a list of given questions. Summative assessment. Essay questions will allow students to apply their newly-acquired skills of argument analysis, argument deconstruction, and argument critique to the content matter of the course

02: Group Presentation weighted 20%

15 minute Group presentation
15 minute group presentation in which small groups are tasked to demonstrate their ability to critique an argument. A seminal paper in the field of security studies will be provided in the reading list. Three applied skills exercises have been designed for students to develop their capacity to analyse the logic of argumentation. The first one is the analysis of the main argument of a key security studies text. The second is a deconstruction of the ideas supporting the argument of a central security studies text. The third is a critique of the argument of a key text applying argument analysis and deconstruction. Students will choose one exercise and make a presentation during one of the seminars. These presentations will be given in weeks 3, 6, and 8. They will be followed by detailed feedback by the tutor.

03: Oral Presentation weighted 10%

The student will prepare and make an individual 5-10 minute presentation on one of the seminar topics.
Each student will prepare and make a presentation on an assigned seminar topic. Four academic topics will be discussed throughout the seminars. Presentations will happen in weeks 2, 4, 5, and 7. Presenters will recieve detailed feedback on their performance.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.