Module POL2057 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
POL2057: Security Studies
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
On the completion of this module you will be familiar with (conceptualisation of) key security threats which impact contemporary societies at all levels. Moreover, you will be cognizant about contributions and limitations of IR theories in interpreting contemporary security threats, as well as have the ability to critically analyze strengths and drawbacks of various theoretical interpretations. The module will provide you with a solid understanding of use of force as a tool of inter/national politics both generally and in the setting of carefully selected case studies. You will be able to apply key theory claims to your interpretations of several aspects of political violence and security threats, and draw generalizations that may support or contest hegemonic assumptions in the field.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate IR grounded knowledge of political violence as an instrument of policy in the context of war and contemporary cases of armed conflicts; 2. Be familiar with key concepts used to interpret contemporary security threats and to analyze violent conflicts 3. Establish correlations between theory and praxis of recent and ongoing violent conflicts which have presented serious security challenges at all levels of analysis; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Critically analyse primary and secondary source material; 5. Understand and use key concepts and IR theory relevant to the understanding and explanation of security challenges and threats; 6. Construct well-structured and rigorous scholarly arguments; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Communicate effectively in speech and writing; 8. Work independently and in collaboration with peers to achieve common goals; 9. Demonstrate competence to use the Internet and other IT resources. |
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 Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 26.5 | 123.5 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 16.5 | 11 x 1.5 hour lectures. Subject knowledge will be communicated in lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 10 | 10 x 1 hour tutorials - subject knowledge will be developed through tutorial discussion and group worksheets prepared in advance |
| Guided Independent study | 14 | Worksheet preparation |
| Guided Independent study | 109.5 | Weekly 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.
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Plan | 300 words, covering essays structure and argument | 1-6, 7, 9 | Verbal or written (depending on students preference) |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 2,500 words | 1-9 | Written |
| Exam | 50 | 1.5 hours | 1-7 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (2,500 words) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
| Exam | Exam (1.5 hours) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
