Fall 2026 - IS 200 D100
Security and Global Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3)
Class Number: 3438
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Nicole Jackson
njj@sfu.ca
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-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- Define and compare core concepts in security studies, including threat, risk, referent object, sovereignty, securitization, desecuritization, resilience, human security, societal security, deterrence, and global governance.
- Explain and critically assess major approaches to security studies, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, peace studies, critical security studies, postcolonial approaches, gender approaches, and human security.
- Apply security concepts to contemporary cases such as Russia/Ukraine/NATO, hybrid warfare, disinformation, cyber-security, critical infrastructure, climate, health, energy, humanitarian intervention, terrorism, nuclear risk, transnational crime, and Indigenous land/resource governance.
- Analyze how states, international organizations, NGOs, firms, communities, and social movements define threats, mobilize evidence, justify policy responses, and govern security problems.
- Develop clear, concise, evidence-based written and oral arguments using academic, policy, primary, and reputable current sources, while evaluating competing interpretations, trade-offs, and the consequences of security practices.
Grading
- Tutorial participation and weekly security workshops, including the Security Futures Forum worksheet 15%
- Midterm text 20%
- Research dossier 10%
- Individual policy brief 25%
- Final exam 30%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Required textbook, plus short online readings (primary sources, maps, clips, and current policy materials) through Canvas and possibly SFU Library Course Reserves. No physical copy is required. Students should have regular access to Canvas and library databases.
REQUIRED READING:
Alan Collins, ed. Contemporary Security Studies, 7th ed. Oxford University Press, 2025.
Selected chapters/sections will provide the conceptual spine of the course.
ISBN: 9780198895466
RECOMMENDED READING:
Additional optional background texts and short current sources will be listed on the full syllabus and/or Canvas.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.