IR4522 Critical Approaches to International Security

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

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 10

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.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

2.00 pm Mon

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

Module coordinator

Dr R D Mobley

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

Module Staff

Dr Daniel Mobley

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 will analyse the various challenges to the concept of international security since the end of the Cold War, facilitate critical thinking about the changing meaning of security as it relates to different modes of theoretical analysis, and critically analyse the re-emergence of an emphasis on security as the threat and use of force since 11 September 2001.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

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

46

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

  • Students will understand what it means to study the concept and practice of security from a critical perspective.
  • Understand traditional approaches to security against the background of the critical challenges and redefinitions following the end of the Cold War.
  • Develop critical tools of analysis, in both oral and written form.
  • Engage in active critical reflection on course material.
  • Undertake a rigorous and critical analysis of the concepts explored in the module in relation to relevant issue areas.