Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - IS 309 D500

Special Topics in International Security and Conflict (4)

Human Security

Class Number: 8376

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines the relationship between conflicts and development, and an exploration of the concept of human security as an approach to both development and peace-building. Students will become familiar with key theories of conflict, with particular attention to recent theories of “new wars” in the context of globalized economies and transnational networks. There will be exploration of the relationship between conflict and development outcomes using case studies. The bulk of the emphasis will be placed on the processes through which a diverse set of actors develop global public policy responses by articulating new policy agendas, defining policy recommendations, building governmental and non-governmental coalitions, negotiating international agreements, and monitoring and evaluating policy implementation. Attention will be given to assessing policy development strategies appropriate to the various stages of the public policy cycle, and to results-based approaches to effectively utilizing scarce resources.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will explore a series of human security issues drawing on the perspectives of key governmental, international and non-governmental actors. It will examine substantive policy agendas designed to increase the safety of individuals from physical violence and armed conflict including: cluster munitions and small arms; the protection of civilians and the responsibility to protect; women, peace and security; international criminal justice and war economies.

The bulk of the emphasis will be placed on the processes through which a diverse set of actors develop global public policy responses by articulating new policy agendas, defining policy recommendations, building governmental and non-governmental coalitions, negotiating international agreements, and monitoring and evaluating policy.

Grading

  • Midterm (in-class) 20%
  • Policy Paper 30%
  • Final Exam (take-home) 30%
  • Participation/Presentation 20%

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:

This course will be delivered via online platforms, such as Zoom, Canvas, Blackboard, etc.

Students are required to have a computer, with a microphone, webcam, and speakers. They also must have good access to the Internet.

Microsoft Office is required, and a free version of Office 365 is available to SFU students here: https://www.sfu.ca/itservices/technical/software/office365.html.

Students will be required to upload assignments to Canvas and through Turnitin.com.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Fen Osler Hampson, Madness in the Multitide: Human Security and World Disorder, Oxford University Press, 2002.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Alan Collins, Contemporary Security Studies, Oxford University Press, 2010.

Other readings will be placed on Reserve.

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 FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. 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).