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Theory and Practice of Security
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:06:32
Abstract
This course provides an introduction to Security Studies by examining the major theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as several core conceptual areas of study. Each section features a review of the main theoretical works in the field and an examination of important empirical cases. Students are required to make seminar presentations and to write a term paper.
Objective
The aim of the course is to promote a critical engagement with a wide range of empirical, historical, and theoretical literature in Security Studies and by applying this theoretical material to contemporary developments in world politics. By the end of the course, students should be able to understand the competing contemporary definitions and theories of security and to formulate academically informed opinions about contemporary security issues and policy.
Content
This course draws upon a variety of theoretical perspectives in security studies to analyze the complex ways in which the world order has been threatened during and after the Cold War. To this end, the first part of the course concentrates on traditional approaches to security, while the second provides students with an overview of approaches that have ‘broadened’ and ‘deepened’ the concept of security: away from military concerns to include economic, societal, and environmental sectors, and away from the state towards notions of global and human security. The final part of the course explores strategies for preparing the term paper.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Eine umfassende Literaturliste wird in der 1. Vorlesungsstunde verteilt. Alle Unterlagen zur Vorlesung werden online zur Verfügung gestellt (Passwortgeschützt). Zugang erst ab dem ersten Kurstag aktiv.
Literature
Recommended introductory readings: John Baylis and Steve Smith (eds.), The Globalization of World Politics. An Introduction to International Relations, 3rd edition (Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press, 2005) Jones, Clive and Caroline Kennedy-Pipe (eds), International Security in a Global Age: Securing the Twenty-first Century (London: Frank Cass, 2000). E. Brown, Owen R. Coti Jr., Sean M. Lynn-Jones and Steven E. Miller (eds.), New Global Dangers: Changing Dimensions of International Security (Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press, 2004). C Hughes (ed.), Security Studies: a Reader (London: Routledge, 2004). P Hough, Understanding Global Security (London: Routledge 2004) A detailed reading list will be distributed at the beginning of the semester.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Theory and Practice of Security
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
Number of participants is limited. Registration required by 15.10.2006 with M. Dunn (
)
|
|
2 h weekly |