University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: Thursday 11am-1pm (Group 1) and Thursday 2-4pm (Group 2)

This module introduces students to important issues and key debates in security studies, narrowly conceived as the study of the threat, use, and control of military force. It begins by asking why states go to war with each other, exploring different levels of analysis and a range of theories. The module then investigates how states anticipate, threaten, and/or use force more generally; this part covers topics such as intelligence, alliances, nuclear proliferation, and coercion. The next part focuses on conflict between states and non-state actors, addressing the causes of civil war and the dynamics of (counter-)insurgency and (counter-)terrorism. The module concludes by studying the termination of both inter- and intra-state wars.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminar.

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 60% coursework; 40% written examination


Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination =100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr H Tamm
Module teaching staff: Dr H Tamm
Module coordinator email ht37@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• gain familiarity with important issues and key debates in the subfield of security studies
• prepare students to capably analyse current security challenges in their professional careers or to pursue further academic research
• understand why states go to war
• recognise different ways in which states anticipate, threaten, and/or use force
• acquire a clear understanding of why and how insurgents and states fight each other