University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Compulsory for Strategic Studies Postgraduate programme

Planned timetable: Thurs 2-4pm

The module provides students with essential knowledge of strategy and military history. It is taught in tandem with the second core module of the MLitt in Strategic Studies, which focuses on strategic thought. Taken together, both modules equip students with an overview of the academic field of Strategic Studies. Both also help students to acquire the necessary skills and techniques for independent further study of topics and questions in Strategic Studies. This module proceeds from historical to modern to contemporary war and strategy. It provides a mix of historical and conceptual topics, with historical cases being used to illustrate concepts such as mechanisation or liberation. Cases range from the French Revolutionary Wars to wars of decolonisation and recent postcolonial wars. The topics focus on issues that have helped to shape the contemporary world. Overall, the module investigates what past and present wars tell us about the utility of force in the modern world.

Relationship to other modules

Co-requisite(s): You must also take IR5801

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminar

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%


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

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr L F Middup
Module teaching staff: Dr L Middup
Module coordinator email lfm6@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Have an advanced understanding of strategic theory and strategy making
• Have a nuanced overview of the history of military strategy in the twentieth century
• Be able to assess critically social science research on this topic
• Develop their written and oral skills through essays, examinations, and presentations in the tutorial programme
• Possess the capacity to critique current debates in strategy.