Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - IS 200 D100

Security and Global Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3)

Class Number: 3302

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 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 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 analysing the role of military, intelligence and diplomacy. Finally, we will critique traditional and non-traditional security issues, as well as the strategies to counter perceived “threats” to security.

The course consists of two hours of a lecture and one hour of a tutorial.

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%
  • 1-page outline of essay 5%
  • Research essay 35%
  • Final exam 30%
  • Participation 15%

NOTES:

Course evaluation may change in response to concerns about AI to allow for deeper critical and authentic class engagement.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

You can purchase electronic access to this text via the SFU bookstore.

REQUIRED READING:

Alan Collins, Contemporary Security Studies, OUP, 2025 (7th edition)

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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: 


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.