Module manager: Dr Edward Newman
Email: E.Newman@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module offers an introduction to the major conceptual and theoretical debates that structure ‘global security’ as a subfield. The module is organised around key questions and debates in the study of security, such as: what was security?; what is security?; what is global security?; what can we know about security?; how can we study security? security for whom/what?; security from whom/what?; is security good?; is security possible?; and what is the future of global security? Throughout, these questions are explored by introducing students to key concepts and debates, and through their application to a range of relevant contemporary case studies (conflict and new security challenges).
The module aims to:
• provide students with an overview of key concepts and debates in the study of global security as an academic subfield;
• assist students in developing their theoretical vocabulary by introducing them to a variety of approaches to the study of security;
• challenge students to develop critical analytical and evaluative skills;
• introduce students to the thought and writings of key figures in the development of and contemporary Security Studies;
• encourage students to read and critique the texts of those thinkers;
• enable students to understand and think differently about global security issues of historical and contemporary significance.
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced familiarity with central texts and debates in the study of global security;
- Be able to explain and present this knowledge and understanding in a persuasive and sustained way;
- Analyse and critically evaluate global security issues using a variety of approaches.
- Explain and present this knowledge and understanding in a persuasive and sustained way;
- Demonstrate critical engagement with texts and research;
- Explain and present this knowledge and understanding in a persuasive and sustained way;
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 278 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Students will be asked to produce a one-paragraph introduction, one-page bullet-point essay plan, and preliminary bibliography of key texts in the middle of the module (focused on the assessment preparation week) in order to receive feedback designed to strengthened their performance in their final assignment. This will not be graded but will set them up for the final, summative essay.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 30/04/2025
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