F1IS 4345 - Securitization at Work: Case studies across sectors

The rise of current human crises worldwide and in various sectors needs a multidimensional and diversified interpretation of security beside 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 investigate complex global crises by applying the securitization theory in the field of human security and peacekeeping operations, mass migration, the protection of cultural heritage in contexts of conflicts, food security, health, and environmental security. The critical and theoretical approach provided by the security studies literature will be enriched by concrete contemporary case studies. Few guest speakers will be invited to share their professional and in-the-field perspectives in their respective sectors of activity. An expert in migration, asylum and human rights will expose the stakes and effects of the securitization of migration. A senior consultant working with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will discuss the political stakes of food security. A professional from an international organization will analyse the consequences of the securitization of cultural heritage in conflict and post-conflict areas. A specific session will consist in a visit of the exhibition “Patrimoines en resistance, de Tombouctou à Odessa” in the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine in Paris.

Most sessions will be interactive, with students presenting and discussing a selected text or a case study.

Learning Outcomes:

• ability to critically analyse the concept of "security" and the theory of "securitization"
• ability to properly identify the main theoretical and practical fields to which security and securitization can be applied;
• ability to apply these theoretical tools to concrete policy-making, including in the development of original policy recommendations;
• 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;
• ability to conduct research and oral presentations on ongoing academic and policy debates in a specific sub-domain of securitization.

Professional Skills:

• oral and written communication skills
• analytical skills
• academic research

4; policy analysis

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.

Feedback will be provided through written comments through the shared electronic course environment.

Oral feedback can be obtained upon request from the instructor.

• Active participation to class debates - 10% of the final grade
• Group oral presentation during the semester - 30% of the final grade
• A 2-hours-in-class written exam (case study analysis) on a specific topic between three options on the basis of all sessions and reading materials – end of the semester, date to be fixed - 60% of the final grade

• 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
• Other: visit of the exhibition “Patrimoines en resistance, de Tombouctou à Odessa” in the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine in Paris: 2 hours a semester