Contemporary Security Issues

Course aim

To enhance students' capacity for critical analysis of contemporary security issues, and to consolidate the skills of interpreting the significance and consequences of current events in the international arena by placing them in a historical, cultural and social context.

Course content

The students will engage critically with contemporary issues and conceptual frameworks in global and regional security studies. The course allows for analysing the interdependence between theory and practice in the context of the current transformation of security in the post-Cold War era. It begins by exploring classical security concerns (such as nuclear proliferation or deterrence) placed in a contemporary context. Furthermore, the course explores the ways in which the traditional state-centred security focus has been challenged by the emphasis on human security, discussing issues such as health security, failed states and terrorism, the role of culture in international relations as well as different forms of international interventions, including aid and democracy promotion.

Textbook(s)

Williams, PD (ed.) 2012, Security studies: an introduction, 2nd edn, Routledge, London/New York

Prerequisite(s)

COURSE ALERT: This course is not available to students who have completed: POLI 3011 Global Security and Sustainability

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Case study, Essay, Quiz

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 4A)
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
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* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.