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Contemporary Security Studies
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:14:19
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
The seminar is an opportunity to explore in depth particular issues and to engage in discussions in a small group. Students will be expected to contribute to such discussions and present short seminar papers each week. Most importantly, students will also be expected to engage in continuous independent study. A reader will be distributed at the beginning of the semester, and students will be expected to read (as a minimum) the essential texts. Additional texts for further reading, which help deepen the knowledge of the subject, are also listed. The online platform ILIAS – set up for the course – provides access to all texts marked with an @.
Literature
Collins, Alan (ed.), Contemporary Security Studies (Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press, 2007) Furthermore, students should read: 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)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Contemporary Security Studies
Class limited to 15 participants. Registration is required by 17 September 2007 (
) MACIS students are given priority. Please check with lecturer whether class takes place in CAB H 53 or at WEC.
|
|
2 h weekly |