BSS403 Comparative Analysis of Security Policy

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2015
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 9 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. et Mgr. Petra Mlejnková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Jakub Drmola, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Miloš Gregor, Ph.D. (assistant)
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
Supplier department: Division of Security and Strategic Studies – Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Wed 11:30–13:00 P22
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 goals of the course are to develop and strengthen participant’s qualities in understanding and analyzing various sources of information such as written texts (analysis, reports, news etc.); visual materials (videos, images etc.) and the capability of writing concise and on arguments based analysis. Additional goal of the course is to explain how the comparative method and policy analysis are used within the research of security field. Students should be able to use comparative policy analysis in their research activities.
Syllabus
  • Introduction to the course Policy Analysis in Security Studies Comparative approach in Security Studies Comparative analysis of security systems and security concepts Comparative analysis of foreign security policy and military policy Comparative analysis of homeland security policy and other sectors of security policy System thinking and analysis, causal loops and feedback Diagrams, modelling, and comparisons Case studies of comparative analysis of security policy I. Case studies of comparative analysis of security policy II. Case studies of comparative analysis of security policy III. Case studies of comparative security policy IV. Summary of the course
Literature
    required literature
  • Extended valid list of literature is in the section study materials.
  • Comparative politics. Edited by Daniele Caramani. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008, xliv, 786. ISBN 9780199298419. info
    recommended literature
  • Foreign policy : theories, actors, cases. Edited by Steve Smith - Timothy Dunne - Amelia Hadfield. Oxford [England]: Oxford University Press, 2008, xxvi, 442. ISBN 9780199215294. info
  • Contemporary security analysis and Copenhagen peace research. Edited by Stefano Guzzini - Dietrich Jung. London: Routledge, 2004, xvi, 255. ISBN 0415324106. 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
udents will receive a final grading for the semester based on the following components: Presentation of the outline of the final paper (“seminary thesis”) (max. 6 points) and final written paper (seminary thesis) (max. 18 points): final paper should be written to the course relevant topic (length approx. 16 pages (35 000 characters), 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. Use of sources from Jane´s Intelligence Review database is necessary. Deadline for submission: June 1, 2015 (“Odevzdávárna” in the IS MU). Report to the seminar “Diagrams, modelling, and comparisons”. Report is based on readings. Students are expected to write 1 report (1800-2000 characters) on topic which will be specified by Mr. Drmola on 1st April. Report should be uploaded in the Information system MU (section “Odevzdávárny), at least 6 hours prior to the seminar. The students must participate in sessions for which they submit their reports. Final written test (max. 30 points): There will be a final in-class written exam, consisting of five open questions based on required readings and discussions in classes. At least 1/4 points from each part (2 from presentation, 5 from final paper, 2 from report, 9 from final written test) is necessary condition for evaluation of this course! Grading: A 60 - 56 B 55-51 C 50 – 46 D 45 - 41 E 40 - 36 F 35 - 0
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2009, Autumn 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2015, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2015/BSS403