F1IS 4315 - Introduction to Critical Security Studies

This course introduces you to the notion of security from critical perspectives. Different empirical themes will be selected by the participants to do so. The themes include but are not limited to: war; policing; identity and othering; gender and sexuality; development; health; borders and mobilities; digital, security and surveillance; nationalism and racism; property and extraction; terrorism and asymmetric conflicts; the environment; weapon systems; or, prisons and camps. The final assignment is a substantial self-designed research paper and the development of key research skills. The final assignment builds up on a literature review that is the second assignment of the course and will serve as the basis of an individualized discussion to work on the final assignment.

Learning Outcomes:
  1. Identify and discuss key notions and analytical framework in critical security studies;
  2. Connect complex analytical frameworks to everyday life events, and evaluate their relevance;
  3. Develop and write a research paper;
  4. Evaluate and synthesize a complex set of literature.

  Professional Skills:
  1. Research and analysis;
  2. Critical thinking;
  3. Investigation;
  4. Written communication.

Xavier GUILLAUME
Cours magistral seul
English
- In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
  - Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
  - Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 102 hours a semester (approx. 32 hours for the literature review, 70 hours for the research paper).
None.
Autumn 2024-2025
(i) literature review, research paper; (ii) the literature review is worth 35% of the overall mark and will be submitted on 27 October 2022; the research paper will be submitted on 8 December 2022.
Written feedback will be provided for each assignment; in particular the feedback to the literature review will be provided within 5 working days to enable students to improve their research papers. The literature review will be accompanied by an individualised formal oral feedback.
All compulsory readings will be communicated via the course guide.