MODULE SPECIFICATION

  1. Title of the module

International Security and Strategic Studies (PO8107)

  1. School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module

Politics and International Relations

  1. The level of the module (Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7)

Level 7

  1. The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents

20 credits (10 ECTS)

  1. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)

Autumn

  1. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules

None

  1. The programmes of study to which the module contributes

MA/PGDip/PGCert[Specialisation] or MA in [Primary Specialisation] with [Secondary Area of Specialisation]- in particular MA in International Conflict and Security

LLM/PGDip in [Specialisation], LLM in [Primary Specialisation] with [Secondary Area of Specialisation], PGCert in [Primary Specialisation]

  1. The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
    On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
  1. Demonstratea profound knowledge of contemporary theoretical and conceptual debates in international security and strategic studies;
  2. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of current trends in international security and strategy;
  3. Demonstratea profound insight ofregional politics and conflicts;
  4. Demonstrate a sophisticated knowledge of International institutions;
  5. Conduct complex policy and strategic analysis of security issues;
  6. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of methods and methodologies in their discipline.
  1. The intended generic learning outcomes.
    On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
  1. Applycomplex theoretical knowledge at the forefront of their discipline;
  2. Undertake analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge;
  3. Critically evaluate research; advanced scholarship and methodologies and argue alternative approaches;
  4. Be reflective and self-critical in their research work;
  5. Communicate their findings in an oral and written way.
  1. A synopsis of the curriculum

War and peace have the power to change world order and the daily lives we lead. This module aims to provide students with a conceptual toolkit to navigate contemporary questions in international security as perceived from a European perspective and make them familiar with key debates in strategic studies. Combining insights from history, political science, international relations and economics in an interdisciplinary spirit, this module offers students a range of topics delivered by academics and expert policy-makers. These topics will cover various conceptual questions (such as the causes of war, the logic of deterrence and the function of strategy) as well as geographical and thematic approaches (such as the present instability in the wider European neighbourhood, the transatlantic relationship and security in East Asia).

  1. Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)

The reading list is set by the partner institution.

  1. Learning and teaching methods

Learning and teaching methods are set by the VUB (Free University Brussels) in accordance with its own rules and regulations. Collectively, the learning and teaching methods will enable students to achieve the intended specific and generic learning outcomes of this module and students will undertake a period of study at VUB equivalent to that required for 20 Kent credits. Normally, contact will consist of a mix of lectures and seminars however, students are strongly encouraged to refer to the module guide for more detailed information.

  1. Assessment methods

The Assessment methods are set by the partner institution in accordance with its own rules and regulations and may vary year-to-year. Assessments may include an individually written essays; presentations; discussions and debates. Students should refer to the module guide for more detailed information.
Collectively, the assessment methods will assess the achievement of all of the module’s intended specific and generic learning outcomes. Kent will assess the module on a pass/fail basis therefore, credit achieved for this module will be contributory to the student’s degree programme but will not contribute to the degree classification.

  1. Map of module learning outcomes (sections 8 & 9) to learning and teaching methods (section12) and methods of assessment (section 13)

Module learning outcome / 8.1 / 8.2 / 8.3 / 8.4 / 8.5 / 8.6 / 9.1 / 9.2 / 9.3 / 9.4 / 9.5
Learning/ teaching method / Hours allocated
As described in s.12 / 200 / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
Assessment method
As described in s.13 / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
  1. Inclusive module design

The Collaborative Partner recognises and has embedded the expectations of current equality legislation, by ensuring that the module is as accessible as possible by design. Additional alternative arrangements for students with Inclusive Learning Plans (ILPs)/declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the relevant policies and support services.

  1. Campus(es) or centre(s) where module will be delivered

Brussels, delivered at campus VUB

  1. Internationalisation

This module is an exchange module agreed in the framework of the Cooperation Agreement between Kent and VUB.

FACULTIES SUPPORT OFFICE USE ONLY

Revision record – all revisions must be recorded in the grid and full details of the change retained in the appropriate committee records.

Date approved / Major/minor revision / Start date of the delivery of revised version / Section revised / Impacts PLOs (Q6&7 cover sheet)

1

International Security and Strategic Studies (POXXX)