Course description

            The course aims to provide students with a cursory introduction to one of the major subfields of international relations – international security studies. Addressing the main challenges to international security, the course will focus on analyzing conventional and “novel” threats, as well as adopted policy responses. The breadth of the course will be supported by extensive required readings. The course will be structured into three segments. In the first segment, the course will cover primary theories necessary for further progress discuss armed conflict, associated threats, and conflict resolution. The second segment focuses on defense-related security issues, while the third segment will address particular threats to international security and their handling by international actors.

The course will enable students to:

-                     understand the basic concepts and major debates of security in the international arena

-                     comprehend the complex interdependence patterns of security issues in the 21st century

-                     grasp the international security context of singular events

-                     competently analyze the national and international responses to dominant security challenges

 

Course requirements

            Students are required to read the assigned literature and refer to the recommended literature for more in-depth elaboration of discussed topics.

            Lectures do not require attendance, however, material covered by the lecturer is part of the final exam and mostly does not significantly overlap with the assigned literature.

            Students are required to write 2 mid-term tests and submit an essay on a topic of their choice – previously consulted with the corresponding lecturer.

The course is concluded by a final exam.

Successful completion of the course requires the successful completion of every individual assignment.

 

Individual Requirements

Readings

Students are expected to read the required literature for each lesson. Lectures and literature do not fully overlap.

 

Midterms

Two midterms will be administrated on November 17^th and January 5th. The tests are composed of multiple-choice questions and written during normal lecture time within 20 minutes.

Midterms cover material from previous lectures and literature. The second midterm tests topics covered after the first midterm.

Each midterm test affords a maximum of 15 points and is not repeatable.

 

Essay

A 5000-word (14 pages) essay is to be submitted within the IS by the end of January 30th, 2020. The essay is evaluated based on the rubric contained bellow. It is not a pre-requisite for attendance at the final exam.

The topic choice for the essay rests with students, based on pre-defined topic baskets. A specific topic must be locked in by December 15th in communication with the lecturer whose basket the student chose.

Final exam

A final exam from all lectures and all required literature will be held at the end of the semester. Unless stated otherwise, the exam will consist of 5 open questions.

 

Grading

Requirements are awarded the following points: Midterm I. (15points); Midterm II. (15points); Essay (30points); Exam (40points).

100-94 points = A ; 93-88 points = B ; 87-77 points = C ; 76-68 points = D ; 67-60 points = E ; <60 points = F = failed.

Adjusted scale +3.