University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: 11.00 am Mon

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.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR2006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

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

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

Personnel