BSS403 Comparative Analysis of Security Policy

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2010
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 9 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D.
Division of Security and Strategic Studies – Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Lucie Pospíšilová
Prerequisites
SOUHLAS
In winter-term 2010 only for students of imatriculation years 2008 and 2009. Only for students they want to accomplish state exam in winter term 2010 or summer term 2011.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This course is intended as a comparative analysis of security policy at various levels (international, regional, national, sub-national) and in various security sectors. The aim of this course is to explain how the comparative method and policy analysis are used in the research of security. Students should be able to use comparative policy analysis in their research activities.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the course 2. Comparative method in security studies 3. Policy analysis in security studies 4. Comparative analysis of security systems and strategies 5. Comparative analysis of foreign policy and diplomacy 6. Comparative analysis of military policy 7. Comparative analysis of regime and societal security policy 8. Comparative analysis of other security policies 9. Case studies I. 10. Case studies II. 11. Case studies III. 12. Case studies IV. 13. Summary of the course
Literature
  • Extended valid list of literature is in the section study materials.
  • Civil-military relations in postcommunist Europe : reviewing the transition. Edited by Timothy Edmunds - Andrew Cottey - Anthony Forster. London: Routledge, 2006, 181 s. ISBN 0415376319. info
  • Comparative politics today : a world view. Edited by Gabriel Abraham Almond. Updated 8th ed. New York: Pearson/Longman, 2006, xxi, 804. ISBN 0321350995. info
  • Comparative politics : interests, identities, and institutions in a changing global order. Edited by Mark Irving Lichbach - Jeffrey Kopstein. 2nd ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2005, xix, 491. ISBN 0521603951. info
Teaching methods
The course takes the form of both lectures and seminars. There are explained comparative approaches and policy analysis approaches within lectures, which are further discussed during seminars. Presentation of outlines of students' seminar works is a part of a seminar, as well as presentations by professionals in the sectors.
Assessment methods
Students will receive a final letter grade for the semester based on the following components: Presentation of the outline of the final paper (seminary thesis) (max. 6 points) and the final paper (seminary thesis) (max. 18 points): The final paper should be written to the topic relevant to the course (length approx. 15 pages, longer thesis only after consultation with lecturer). The topic of the final paper and date of presentation of its outline specifies lecturer. Components of evaluation: original authors approach, relevant goals and methods, theoretical background, conceptualizing of the topic, structure, sources and literature. Deadline for submission: 8th January 2010. Reports about expert lectures (max. 12 points): Students are expected to write 4 reports (2800-3500 characters each) on 4 different topics (topics of 4 expert lectures in the course). The papers should include a summary of the main points of the lecture, description of the discussion and the final standpoint (weaknesses and strengths of the lecture and discussion). Reports should be uploaded in the Information system MU (section “Odevzdávárny). Reports should be uploaded at least 6 days after the seminary. The students must participate in sessions for which they submit their reports. Final written exam (max. 24 points): There will be a final in-class written exam, consisting of four questions based on the required readings and the discussions in class. Special bonus: Max 6 points for extraordinary actively participation in the seminars by posing questions of clarification or bringing up problems for discussion. Grading: 56-60: A 51-55: B 46-50: C 41-45: D 36-40: E 0-35: F
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2009, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2010, recent)
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