POL8026 : Security: Politics, Space and Society
POL8026 : Security: Politics, Space and Society
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Jocelyn Mawdsley
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Dimitris Skleparis
- Other Staff: Dr Matthew Richmond, Professor Rachel Woodward, Dr Ingrid A. Medby, Dr Deniz Yonucu, Professor Ben Farrand
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To provide students with an advanced understanding of the evolution and current state of theory in security studies.
- To introduce security studies, its key themes and theories.
- To explore the historical and contemporary themes of security studies.
- To explore critical approaches to discourses and practices of security.
- To discuss and critically evaluate the debates that have characterised the development of security studies.
Outline Of Syllabus
Security has been one of the touchstone issues in the last few decades, and one of the most debated topics in many developed and developing states. From wars, terrorism and organised crime to viruses and climate change, the diverse nature and spread of contemporary threats place security at the heart of human affairs. But what does security mean, and how is it perceived, experienced, practiced, and studied? This module examines security and insecurity from an interdisciplinary perspective with reference to a range of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ threats. It does so by drawing on various traditional/mainstream and critical theoretical approaches to security, as well as Western and non-Western empirical contexts.
Topics to be covered may include:
- Inter- and Intra-state Wars
- Terrorism, Drugs, and Crime
- The Environment and Climate Change
- Policing and surveillance
- Immigration
- Artificial Intelligence
- Energy
- Food security
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Upon completion of the module, students will/should be able to:
- Identify and critically discuss the central themes in the study of security.
- Demonstrate an awareness of key security studies texts and commentaries, and discuss their contributions
- Debate on issues such as what is security and for whom in a variety of interdisciplinary contexts.
Intended Skill Outcomes
On completion of the module, students will/should be able to:
- Communicate, in written and oral formats, their advanced knowledge of the key theories and themes of security studies.
- Plan, organise and structure critical responses to questions around security.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | 11x 2 hour seminars. |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 178:00 | 178:00 | N/A |
Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The 2-hour weekly seminar will involve a combination of a presentation by the module leader and discussion based around a variety of teaching methods e.g. simulations, field trips, scenario building depending on the topics covered. The themes of the seminars will relate to the theoretical, methodological and substantive issues outlined in the module aims. The seminar-based teaching and learning methods will enable students to develop employment-related skills such as interpersonal communication, oral presentation, teamwork, planning and organising, information literacy and problem solving.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Research paper | 2 | M | 100 | 4000 word research paper. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
1 x 4000 word research paper
In writing their research paper, students will be expected to show an ability to collate and evaluate theoretical and empirical material.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- POL8026's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- POL8026's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.