University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: Mon 11am

The aim of this course is to discuss the major shifts and developments in modern strategic thought and practice, as well as some of the powerful factors that determined and are still determining military possibilities in the modern era. We will examine historical case studies and the reasons for changes in the use and application of military force along two axes: chronological and thematic. Starting from the Second World War, we will analyse the evolution of strategic thought and practice in response to political, technological, cultural and other developments. The combination of historical analysis and thematic issues will allow students to develop a more comprehensive picture of the evolution of strategy as well as a better and more critical understanding of major strategic trends and of the strategic challenges of recent history.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 hour lectures (x 11 weeks) and 1 tutorial (x 10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 21

Guided independent study hours: 279

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 coordinator: Professor S Scheipers
Module teaching staff: Dr Mathilde von Bulow

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 program.
• Possess the capacity to critique current debates in strategy.