COURSE UNIT TITLE

: INTERNATIONAL SECURITY PROBLEMS

Description of Individual Course Units

Course Unit Code Course Unit Title Type Of Course D U L ECTS
IRL 7064 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY PROBLEMS ELECTIVE 3 0 0 6

Offered By

International Relations (English) Non-Thesis (Evening)

Level of Course Unit

Second Cycle Programmes (Master's Degree)

Course Coordinator

PROFESSOR DOCTOR ALI ŞEVKET OVALI

Offered to

International Relations (English) Non-Thesis (Evening)

Course Objective

The aim of this course is to explore the mainstream approaches and current cases in international security studies from both theoretical and policy-orientated perspectives. The course will introduce the evolution of security studies and provide an understanding on the different definitions of security. Realist approach, Copenhagen School, Critical Security Studies and Human Security approach will be examined, followed by analyses on such security issues as international terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and environmental security.

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit

1   Demonstrate understanding of traditional and alternative views on international security in order to comprehend the security studies literature.
2   Demonstrate understanding of the main current international security issues to understand their impact on international affairs.
3   Comprehend knowledge on contemporary international security problems for the purpose of conducting case study analysis.
4   Be able to acquire skills to conduct research as a team member for the purpose of preparing an oral presentation.
5   Be able to acquire presentation skills to present the group work.

Mode of Delivery

Face -to- Face

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

None

Recomended Optional Programme Components

None

Course Contents

Week Subject Description
1 Introduction to Security Studies: Traditional Approaches Collins, p. 15-48 (Must) Smith, p. 16-44 (Recommended)
2 Introduction to Security Studies: Critical Approaches Collins, p. 84-120 (Must)
3 Coercive Diplomacy and Humanitarian Intervention Collins, p. 277-297; 359-376 (Must)
4 Weapons of Mass Destruction Smith, p. 125-149 (Must) Collins, p. 320-335 (Must)
5 Terrorism Collins, p. 338-357 (Must) Smith, p. 151-177 (Must)
6 International Crime Smith, p. 179-205 (Must) Collins, p. 428-445 (Must)
7 Midterm exam
8 Economic Security Collins, p. 239-254 (Must) Smith, p. 206-229 (Must)
9 Environmental Security Collins, p. 218-237 (Must) Smith, p. 230-255 (Must)
10 Human Security and Gender Collins, p. 106-136 (Must)
11 Group Presentations
12 Group Presentations
13 Group Presentations
14 Group Presentations

Recomended or Required Reading

1. Attending at least 70 % of lectures is mandatory.
2. Plagiarism of any type will result in disciplinary action.
3. Learners have to make sure that they read all the required course material before the class and participate in class discussions by demonstrating required knowledge.

1. Alan Collins, Contemporary Security Studies, Oxford University Press, Oxford & New York, 2010.
2. Michael E. Smith, International Security Politics, Policy, Prospects, Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2010.

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

1. Lecture
2. Class discussions
3. Group work: Learners will form groups and work on an international security topic which they will decide in consultation with the instructor. The final product of the group work will be an in-class presentation.
4. Presentations

Assessment Methods

SORTING NUMBER SHORT CODE LONG CODE FORMULA
1 MTE MIDTERM EXAM
2 STT TERM WORK (SEMESTER)
3 FIN FINAL EXAM
4 FCG FINAL COURSE GRADE MTE * 0.30 + STT * 0.30 + FIN* 0.40
5 RST RESIT
6 FCGR FINAL COURSE GRADE (RESIT) MTE * 0.30 + STT * 0.30 + RST* 0.40


*** Resit Exam is Not Administered in Institutions Where Resit is not Applicable.

Further Notes About Assessment Methods

None

Assessment Criteria

1. Learners will explain the historical evolution of international security studies.
2. Learners will explain theoretical approaches and concepts in international security studies.
3. Learners will explain diverse current topics in international security agenda and conduct case study analysis.
4. Group work will reflect the relevant theoretical and historical background taught in class beside the research on the selected topic, and will be presented in an orderly manner.

Language of Instruction

English

Course Policies and Rules

1. Attending at least 70 % of lectures is mandatory.
2. Plagiarism of any type will result in disciplinary action.
3. Learners have to make sure that they read all the required course material before the class and participate in class discussions by demonstrating required knowledge.

Contact Details for the Lecturer(s)

To be announced.

Office Hours

To be announced.

Work Placement(s)

None

Workload Calculation

Activities Number Time (hours) Total Work Load (hours)
Lectures 13 3 39
Preparations before/after weekly lectures 12 5 60
Preparation for midterm exam 1 8 8
Preparation for final exam 1 15 15
Preparing assignments 1 9 9
Preparing presentations 1 5 5
Midterm 1 1,5 2
Final 1 1,5 2
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours) 140

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

PO/LOPO.1PO.2PO.3PO.4PO.5PO.6PO.7PO.8PO.9
LO.14
LO.24
LO.34
LO.45
LO.54