The course offers a broad introduction to the field of international security and global polítics and some of the core concepts and perspectives guiding its study. It will examine a number of theoretical approaches by focusing on a range of security issues, including the causes of war, ethics and use of force, alliance formation, humanitarian intervention, democratic peace, human security, new security issues and actors, and terrorism.

Assessment

Assessment criteria

• Class participation: 10%
• Two written essays of 1,200 words each (+/- 10%): 30%
• One oral presentation of about 20 minutes and a 500-word written summary of the main arguments in the presentation (+/- 10%): 15%
• Once serving as a discussant of a presentation made by a colleague: 5%
• Final take-home exam: 40%

N.B. The essay, presentation, and discussant topics have to be different. That is, you have to do the 4 assignments on 4 different seminar topics.

Competences, learning outcomes and teaching activities (PDF)