F1IS 4345 - Securitization Theory - Case Studies Across Sectors

Within the post-Cold war framework, the rise of human crises worldwide but also in various sectors has called for a multidimensional and diversified interpretation of security outside its traditional military dimension. Over the last three decades, securitization theory has played a key role in the analysis of this phenomenon as a sub-field of critical security studies highlighting the temporal, relational and context-related dimensions of security.
The aim of this course is to understand how and to what extent the securitization theory can be applied to complex global crises in the field of health, mass migration, the protection of cultural heritage in conflict areas, food security and the environment. Securitization will be studied through an analysis of theoretical texts and concrete contemporary case studies. In addition, few guest speakers will bring to this course their professional and in-the-field perspectives in their respective sectors.
A researcher on migration and asylum at the Europe Regional Office of Amnesty International will expose the stakes and effects of the securitization of migration. A professor of Security studies from the University of Trento will explain how to carry out field research on a security issue. A Project Manager from ALIPH - International alliance for the protection of heritage in conflict areas will analyse the consequences of the securitization of cultural heritage in conflict and post-conflict areas. A senior consultant from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will discuss food security issues.
Most sessions will be interactive, with students presenting and discussing a selected text or a case study.

Learning Outcomes:
1. ability to critically analyse the concept of "security" and the theory of "securitization"
2. ability to properly identify the main theoretical and practical fields to which security and securitization can be applied;
3. ability to apply these theoretical tools to concrete policy-making, including in the development of original policy recommendations;
4. ability to discuss and analyse texts and articles of political theory and international relations as well as EU and UN reports with regard to the topic of security and securitization;
5. ability to conduct research and oral presentations on ongoing academic and policy debates in a specific sub-domain of securitization.

Professional Skills:
1. oral and written communication skills
2. analytical skills
3. academic research

Camilla PAGANI,Alessandra RUSSO

Séminaire

English

- In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
- Reading and Preparation for Class: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
- Research and Preparation for Group Work: 4 hours a week / 48 hours a semester
- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester

Basic knowledge of security studies and international relations. Interest for politics and current affairs. Students are expected to actively participate in class debates and share their views with their peers. They will be requested to read all materials in advance and to prepare a written question ahead of each oral presentation. They will be encouraged to work both individually and in groups.

Autumn 2024-2025

1) Active participation to class debates - 10% of the final grade
2) Group oral presentation during the semester - 30% of the final grade
3) An individual written essay (ca. 1,500 words) on a specific topic between two options (to be chosen after the first session) on the basis of all sessions and reading materials, to be sent by email by the 13th December- 60% of the final grade

For citations and notes please use the Chicago Manual Style

Feedback will be provided through written comments through the shared electronic course environment.
Oral feedback can be obtained upon request from the instructor.