Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3229: Disrupting Western and Neo-Liberal Hegemony: Insurgency and Counterinsurgency Post-WWII

This module descriptor refers to the 2024/5 academic year.

Module Aims

This module will provide you with:

  • A comprehensive understanding of the conceptual issues associated with the definition and study of low-intensity conflict, and particularly, of insurgency and counter-insurgency.
  • An awareness of the competing theories and practices of low-intensity conflict.
  • An understanding of the kinds of predicaments, including strategic, operational and ethical dilemmas, produced by low-intensity conflict activities.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nature of low-intensity conflict and its evolving features.
2. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the developing characteristics of the Western way of low-intensity warfare and internal policing and their effect on those challenging respectively Western and Neo-Liberal hegemony.
3. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the growing low-intensity and counter-hegemonic challenges confronted by Western states and the way that these have reacted to such challenges from the strategic, operational, ethical and organizational perspectives.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Display a Critical Military Studies understanding of the evolution of low-intensity operations, and their role in contemporary conflict;
5. Exercise informed judgement about change and continuity of low-intensity conflicts;
Personal and Key Skills6. Study independently and manage time and assessment deadlines effectively.
7. Communicate effectively in speech and writing.
8. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills through tutorial discussions and module assessments.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the internet, online journal databases and other IT resources for the purposes of tutorial and assessment preparation.