University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: TBC

This module provides students with an understanding of key issues in energy studies and environmental politics and their role in reshaping international relations, the global economy and security. This is a timely topic in light of the current dynamics of re-ordering and fragmentation in global security and the economy with effects on supply chains and the geopolitical competition for critical resources and the impact of the transformation of 21st century economies. The module's main objectives are to provide students with a strong understanding of the evolving nature of the international security agenda; the intertwined nature of new security challenges; the resource curse and resource wars; the geopolitical rivalry over critical minerals and the effects on supply chains; and the role of governance and policy in understanding natural resource conflicts in a trans-boundary context.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: One 1-hour lecture (x11 weeks) plus one 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks). Optional weekly 2-hour consulatation period.

Scheduled learning hours: 21

Guided independent study hours: 268

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 50%, Examination = 50%

As defined by QAA

Re-assessment: Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M Fumagalli
Module teaching staff: Dr M Fumagalli
Module coordinator email Matteo.Fumagalli@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• have acquired a strong understanding of the evolving nature of the international security agenda and especially the theoretical debates surrounding environmental, energy, food, and water security; the intertwined nature of new security challenges; link debates in IR on energy and the environment to related conversations in cognate fields, acquiring knowledge of this interdisciplinary field of study
• be able to account for the similarities and differences among the various sectors (oil, gas, water, renewables, minerals)
• be able to explain the way in which environmental change and shifts in energy markets have impacted on IR scholarship
• be able to apply theoretical concepts and frameworks to case studies