University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: TBC

The purpose of this module is to examine the dynamics of violence in three distinct forms of irregular armed conflict: civil wars, insurgencies and guerilla wars. Its starting point is that the twentieth century has witnessed a shift from traditional forms of warfare to these three distinct forms of irregular war and that this shift demands a reconsideration of the way that warfare is studied. Using theoretical approaches to the subject, as well as historical case studies, it will identify the dynamics of irregular warfare in the twentieth century, trace the diverse motivations and strategies implicit in different kinds of irregular warfare, and discuss the implications of this shift for those responsible for countering irregular warfare.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact:

Scheduled learning hours: 46

Guided independent study hours: 254

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews:

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Personnel