PSIR 311

Course Code & Number

PSIR 311

Course Title

Critical Security Studies

Level

BS

Credit Hours/ ECTS Credits

(3+0+0) 3 TEDU Credits, 6 ECTS Credits

Year of Study:

Junior

Semester:

Fall

Type of Course:

Elective

Mode of Delivery:

Face-to-face

Language of Instruction:

English

Pre-requisite / Co-requisite::

Catalog Description

The notion of security in the pre-cold war, cold war and post-cold war periods. Classical and critical approaches to security.

Course Objectives

The aim of this course is to analyze different meanings attributed to “security” in the pre-Cold War, Cold War and post-Cold War periods.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon succesful completion of this course, a student will be able to
1. Compare security studies before, during and after the end of the Cold War 
2. Describe and evaluate various theories regarding concepts of international order and security
3. Analyze and assess the changing meaning and understanding of “security” 
4. Recite the security dilemma
5. Explain the transformation from classic, state-centered security thinking to critical security studies leading to common security, stable peace, positive peace
6. Discuss and evaluate human security, the people-centered approach to security

Recommended Reading

1. Kenneth Boulding, Stable Peace (Austin: University of Texas Press, 1978). 2. Caroline Thomas, Global Governance, Development, and Human Security: The Challenge of Poverty and Inequality (Pluto Press, 2000). 3. Alan Collins (ed.), Contemporary Security Studies (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007). 4. Barry Buzan and Richard Little, International Systems in World History (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000). 5. Michael C. Williams (ed.), Critical Security Studies: Concepts and Cases (London: Routledge, 1997).