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IR4540   The Changing Character of War

Academic year(s): 2018-2019

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: 2.00 pm Mon

The aim of this module is to discuss change and continuity in the theory and practice of war. The module is organised along historical instances and phases of war over the past two decades. Starting with the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the module will consider major events in the history of war such as the two world wars and the Cold War. It discusses to what extent terrorism and humanitarian intervention present new forms of war. Each session will analyse change and continuity regarding four thematic areas: strategic thought and practice, technology, socio-political conditions and cultural representations of war. The module is intended to give students a nuanced overview of major developments in the theory and practice of war and hence to enable them to discuss contemporary security issues from a historically well-informed perspective.

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

Module teaching staff: Dr L Middup