University of St Andrews - Scotland's first university, founded 1413

Module Catalogue

For information on which modules are specific to your programme, please see : Programme requirements index 2023-2024.

Curricular information may be subject to change.

IR5063 Spaces of Securitization

Academic year(s): 2023-2024

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Tuesday 12noon - 2pm

The module explores the relationship between space and securitization. Taking stock of existing literature, it is plain that many scholars are calling for greater attention to be paid to contextual considerations and practices. Indeed most 'second generation' scholars argue that context is vital for understanding how (de)securitization is constructed, enacted and contested. This module will contribute to these ongoing conversations by highlighting that space remains an understudied aspect of how securitization unfolds in theory and in practice. Introducing the 'spatial' turn into securitization studies is fruitful as it casts new light on everyday dimensions at play when security speech acts are uttered and enacted. This allows us to investigate a number of banal spaces from critical perspectives and begin to discover even more improbable spaces where securitization can occur. By undertaking such a journey they will start to cultivate their own ethnography, voice, views and insights.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 lecture (x 11 weeks), 1 tutorials (x 10 weeks) and two o?ce hours (x 12 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 21

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 40%, Coursework = 60%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 40%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 60%

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

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr F Donnelly
Module teaching staff: Dr F Donnelly

Intended learning outcomes

To explore where securitization occurs and fades away
To investigate how different spaces and places facilitate or prohibit (de)securitizing moves
To examine to role of the everyday and 'mundane matters' in securitization studies
To look for securitization in different spaces and places ranging from museums to borders to airports to streets
To theorize how securitization can occur in and occupy multiple spaces simultaneously
To adopt critical lenses to leave some spaces open for securitization to appear, unfold, fade and reside in unexpected ways