Spring 2020 - IS 200 D100

Security and Global Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3)

Class Number: 5850

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2020
    Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines contemporary security and governance challenges by drawing on insights from across the social sciences. Includes such topics as: war, nuclear proliferation, genocide, human trafficking, and global health threats. Explores the role of international organizations (the UN, EU, NATO and others) in addressing security challenges and advancing global governance. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides a broad introduction to the study of international security. It examines a range of security and governance challenges related to: inter-state war, civil war and state fragility, genocide and ethnic cleansing, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and climate change. More generally, we will explore competing perspectives on the meaning of security and on the efforts of states and international organizations to achieve and maintain security. We will give particular attention to the “human security” framework, which focuses on the vulnerabilities and threats faced by individuals; and, we will explore how this framework challenges more state-centric approaches to security.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

In completing this course, students will acquire knowledge about important contemporary security challenges and about key policies aimed at managing or addressing these challenges. Students will develop an ability to analyze and assess contending perspectives on international security; and, they will develop an ability to critically evaluate the role that international organizations play in global security governance. Students will also develop the skills needed to communicate ideas clearly to academic readers as well as to policy-makers. 

Grading

  • Essay 30%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 35%
  • Participation 10%

NOTES:

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Alan Collins (ed). Contemporary Security Studies, 5th edition. Oxford University Press, 2019.
ISBN: 9780198804109

Other required readings, which will include articles and book excerpts, will be available online or on reserve (via Canvas).

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS