IR3054 Mapping the Boundaries of Emerging and Evolving Securities

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

12.00 noon Mon

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr F Donnelly

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr F Donnelly

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module aims to explore how security is conceptualised within the disciplines of Critical Security and Geopolitical Studies. The point of departure is to explore how security how is security made and unmade through processes of interaction. Addressing this issue raises several important questions about where the boundaries of security begin and end. Does it matter if the boundaries between different spheres of interaction overlap and criss-cross? How do these points of intersection coexist and interact? How can we map the construction and implementation of security in zones of visibility and invisibility? Our aim is to take these questions forward by unpacking several separate yet interrelated security issues ranging from the environment to flags to migration to torture and the media, among others established and emerging scholarly debates. Overall the course argues that the boundaries of security are not just material objects. Instead they are conceptualised as sites of linguistic contestation that empowers and disempowers different modes of action. Taking this viewpoint challenges the idea that the boundaries are becoming redundant in an age of globalization. Mapping how we speak about security, and how this language is put into practice, forces us to acknowledge while boundaries are changing they remain important emblems and modalities of international relations.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester.

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

254

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

To explore where the boundaries of security begin and end.
To learn about securitization in theory and practice.
To highlight the contested and blurry nature of security.
To examine the nexus between securitization and a plethora of referent objects.
To cultivate their own voice and insights on what security means and does.