Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL2057: Security Studies

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following themes:

Key approaches to studying security and use of force in world politics from the point of view of IR theories,
Explanations of strategies of actors in armed conflicts, and experiences of participants and other affected parties.
We will analyze key security threats in the contemporary world and assess efforts to deal with such threats.
We will examine permutations of security threats and their implications for effective policy.
We will unpack challenges of attaining peace and justice in the aftermath of violent conflicts.
We will contemplate implications for the pursuits of security in the contemporary era.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
26.5123.50

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity16.511 x 1.5 hour lectures. Subject knowledge will be communicated in lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity1010 x 1 hour tutorials - subject knowledge will be developed through tutorial discussion and group worksheets prepared in advance
Guided Independent study14Worksheet preparation
Guided Independent study109.5Weekly reading, essay reading and writing, exam revision

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

Other Learning Resources

Other materials will be identified by the module convener in lectures, tutorials and via ELE.