Course Title: Introduction to Global Security

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Global Security

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

POLI1110

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Aiden Warren

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 99253758

Course Coordinator Email: aiden.warren@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 37 Level 5 Room 26

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course provides you with a foundational understanding of the changing concepts and practices of security in a globalising world. You will apply these concepts and practices in work integrated learning simulations, incorporating the writing of policy briefings, policy analysis and other ‘real world’ applications. Major security crises, challenges and developments during the Cold War and post-Cold War period will be reviewed. Topics covered will include: the transition from ‘Old Wars’ to ‘New Wars,’ the advent of new and emerging technologies, the problem of failed and weak states, global terrorism, transnational crime, humanitarian intervention, the re-emergence of great power politics, climate change, resources security, gender security, and lastly, health and pandemics. Traditional models of state-centric security will be contrasted with the critical discourse that emerged out of the ashes of the Cold War, including human security, constructivism, post-structuralism, critical theory, gender approaches, and securitisation (to name a few). Importantly, you will consider the role of different forms and conceptions of security in addressing global challenges drawing upon cases from the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa. Particular attention will be given to the limitations and shortcomings of the traditional conceptions of security in addressing the defining global issues that threaten survival in the 21st Century.  


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • Apply concepts and techniques of security analysis and strategic thinking to contemporary global security challenges 


Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a political, historical and cultural understanding of both traditional and new sources of insecurity.
  2. Apply theoretical findings to global security scenarios via a work integrated learning / ‘real world’ focus.
  3. Assess the development of international security regimes.
  4. Strengthen skills in critically analysing different security discourses.
  5. Analyse, evaluate and write security policy.  


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning in this course takes place through twelve weekly lectures and twelve tutorials. The lectures will introduce each topic, contextualise the set reading material, and highlight the political and security relevance of each issue by drawing on recent information from a variety of sources. The tutorials, which are stand alone and set apart from the lecture, provide an opportunity for added discussion of issues raised by the lecture and set readings, as well as an opportunity to discuss the assessments for this course. 


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be given access to a wide range of resources through a Course Reader or core textbook and also will be able to access a wide range of online learning tools and content for your course from via Canvas, and RMIT Library resources. These resources will include book chapters, journal articles, media articles, lecture notes, bibliographies for supplementary reading, video, and links to external websites. You will have the opportunity to contribute collectively to class resources by sharing your own research findings and sources with your peers.  

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the Canvas student portal.   

 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 
 
Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1 – Tutorial participation (15%)  
CLO1, CLO2, CLO3  
  
Assessment Task 2: Major Research Essay  – 2250 words (45%)  
CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4   
  
Assessment Task 3: Policy Briefing Papers  – 1750 words  (40%) CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO 4 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.  

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.   

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.