Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - IS 200 D100

Security and Global Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3)

Class Number: 5273

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 26, 2022
    Tue, 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:

Students will finish the course with the following knowledge and skills:

  • A critical understanding of the concept of security
  • A basic familiarity with major paradigms, concepts, and theories in the social scientific study of global security and governance
  • Knowledge of and the ability to engage in debates around the main challenges to global security today

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Reading responses 30%
  • 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:

The following book is available at the SFU Bookstore and is on reserve at the library:

Alan Collins. 2019. Contemporary Security Studies. 5th edition. Oxford. This book is required.


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 SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.