POLIS 3002 - International Security

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

This course explores how the paradigm of security is undergoing rapid and radical transformation. Informed by the prevailing debates, theories and essential concepts in the field of security studies, the course assesses some of the central axioms of international and national security in the context of an emergent class of transnational security dilemmas. The course begins by exploring the paradigm of 'security' as it relates to sovereignty, the state (where one exists) and the safety of a people. The evolution of this concept is traced historically variously through wars, conflicts, emancipatory struggles, colonialism, the Cold War and the establishment of international system. Discussion of these issues is framed by prevailing debates - of (neo)realism, liberalism and constructivism - over the status (and value) of international institutions and norms, particularly those relating to conflict resolution, humanitarian intervention, human rights and displaced peoples. We then consider how the concepts of 'national' or 'international' security are fundamentally transformed by (i) transnational dilemmas that undermine long-standing principles of sovereignty, independence and border integrity, and (ii) states? weakening capacity to deliver security outcomes. Thus we consider how traditional state-based threats interact with the incipient rise of non-traditional security challenges, from the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and fragile/fragmenting states, to new technologies of violence, maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, and proliferating cyber assaults on infrastructure and democratic processes. Theoretically and conceptually, throughout the course we reflect critically on the mobilisation of new security policies and transnational security initiatives to ask how the `referents? of security are being changed, by whom and to what end. This element of the course reflects on the debates between mainstream and critical security perspectives on the state: querying how security is constituted; why and how policy issues come to be framed as security issues; and the ethical repercussions and ramifications for democracy.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code POLIS 3002
    Course International Security
    Coordinating Unit Politics and International Relations
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 6 units of Level II undergraduate study
    Incompatible POLIS 3101
    Course Description This course explores how the paradigm of security is undergoing rapid and radical transformation. Informed by the prevailing debates, theories and essential concepts in the field of security studies, the course assesses some of the central axioms of international and national security in the context of an emergent class of transnational security dilemmas. The course begins by exploring the paradigm of 'security' as it relates to sovereignty, the state (where one exists) and the safety of a people. The evolution of this concept is traced historically variously through wars, conflicts, emancipatory struggles, colonialism, the Cold War and the establishment of international system. Discussion of these issues is framed by prevailing debates - of (neo)realism, liberalism and constructivism - over the status (and value) of international institutions and norms, particularly those relating to conflict resolution, humanitarian intervention, human rights and displaced peoples. We then consider how the concepts of 'national' or 'international' security are fundamentally transformed by (i) transnational dilemmas that undermine long-standing principles of sovereignty, independence and border integrity, and (ii) states? weakening capacity to deliver security outcomes. Thus we consider how traditional state-based threats interact with the incipient rise of non-traditional security challenges, from the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and fragile/fragmenting states, to new technologies of violence, maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, and proliferating cyber assaults on infrastructure and democratic processes. Theoretically and conceptually, throughout the course we reflect critically on the mobilisation of new security policies and transnational security initiatives to ask how the `referents? of security are being changed, by whom and to what end. This element of the course reflects on the debates between mainstream and critical security perspectives on the state: querying how security is constituted; why and how policy issues come to be framed as security issues; and the ethical repercussions and ramifications for democracy.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Tim Legrand

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    No information currently available.

    University Graduate Attributes

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  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

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    Workload

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    Learning Activities Summary

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  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    No information currently available.

    Assessment Detail

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    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

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    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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