About this course

Course given every second year, in years with odd numbers.

The course deals with contemporary themes and issues such as war economy, strategy, security communities, securitization-theory, the political economy of conflicts. The course will deal with traditional security studies and strategic studies, and critical approaches to security.

Learning outcome

The course provides an advanced understanding of issues in international security since the end of the Cold War. The students should be able to understand the theories of the Copenhagen school, the welsh school and Realists/ Liberalist approaches to security as well as foundational concept witin strategic toughts after finishing the course.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures and termpaper.

  • Teaching support

    Office hours and procedures are established at the first class meeting. A course schedule is handed out at the same time.

  • Syllabus

    The main texbook is Paul Williams and Matt McDonald (2018), Security Studies, an introduction.London: Routledge, but other readings will also be given.

  • Prerequisites

    General knowledge of international issues, preferably undergraduate courses in relevant social sciences

  • Assessment method

    Combined assessment where the term paper counts for 50% of the grade and the final written exam counts for 50%.

  • About use of AI

    Exam = K1 - no use of AI allowed’ a

    Paper K3 - AI use allowed according to NMBU guidelines’.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    Internal and external examiners will grade both exam parts.

  • Teaching hours

    The course will go over 12 weeks and include 2 hours lectures per week.

  • Admission requirements

    A relevant Bachelor degree or equivalent.