Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - IS 200 D100

Security and Global Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3)

Class Number: 3248

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 16, 2021
    Mon, 10:00–10:00 a.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 is designed to introduce students to the study of security. In the first half of the course, we critically assess key conceptual frameworks for thinking about security and major events which have changed our understandings of security and international relations. The course will then focus on analyzing the role of intelligence and diplomacy. Finally, we will critique traditional and non-traditional security issues, as well as the strategies to counter perceived “threats” to security.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The objective of the course is to promote critical engagement with a wide range of empirical, historical, and theoretical literature. Students will learn to display this engagement through analytical essay writing and the presentation of complex arguments in seminar discussions and presentations. By the end of the course, they should have acquired a sound knowledge of key theoretical and practical debates in security studies.

The course should enable students to understand competing definitions of security, to critically evaluate key debates in international security studies; to assess how and why “new” security challenges are advanced and dismissed; to understand how institutions are evolving to counter “new" security threats; and finally, to gain knowledge of key transnational and cross-border security issues and an understanding of how they may be best addressed both practically and theoretically.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 15%
  • One-page Essay Outline 5%
  • Research Essay 35%
  • Take-Home Final Exam 30%
  • Participation 15%

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.

REQUIREMENTS:

As the content of this course will be delivered online, you will be required to have access to a computer with audio and video functions. You will also need to have a stable internet connection. As IS 200 is a large class, lectures will be recorded and placed on Canvas on a weekly basis. During the actual lecture time, we will have live discussion sessions via Zoom break-out rooms. Thus, you need to be available during the listed class time.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Alan Collins, Contemporary Security Studies. Oxford University Press, 2019. 5th ed.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).