University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Thurs 10-12

Carl von Clausewitz has long been regarded as the one of the most important strategic thinkers of modern times. However, much of today's Clausewitz scholarship is still steeped in the Cold War tradition of depicting Clausewitz as the mastermind of major interstate war. A number of 'new wars' scholars have, in turn, declared Clausewitz irrelevant to understand war in the twenty-first century. This module takes a more comprehensive look at Clausewitz in order to discuss how relevant Clausewitz and his writings are in the context of strategic studies today. It takes into account Clausewitz as a historical person and an eye witness of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It considers Clausewitz's historical and political writings alongside his magnum opus On War. Finally, it discusses the reception of Clausewitz in different centuries and national contexts.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Completion of required core modules in one of the School of IR Mlitt Programmes

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminar and 2 office hours

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel