STV2230 - International Security Policy
Course description
Course content
This course aims to introduce the students to security policy and strategic thinking and to give a thorough familiarity with the key concepts within this field. It combines theory and case studies and also covers the main actors and institutions in security governance (NATO, UN, US).
The course opens with a theoretical focus on the scope of security studies and on approaches to its study. The scope then narrows to military security issues (security and defense proper), discussing the two types of conflicts, conventional and asymmetric. It seeks to ‘streamline’ a theoretically focused approach to the empirical material, revisiting theory towards the end of the course. It also has a case on African conflicts and one on Norwegian security policy.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The students will:
- become acquainted with international security and defence policy in empirical terms.
- become acquainted with the concept of strategy and strategic studies, as well as with theories of the study of security policy.
- become acquainted with the current debates in this field of scholarship.
Skills
The students will:
- be able to analyse problems of security in international politics strategically.
- be able to apply theories of security policy to empirical issues.
- be able to understand the dynamics of current inter-state rivalry as well as global threats and risks.
Competence
The students will:
- acquire insight into what strategy means and its uses.
- acquire insight into the dynamics of state security as well as human security problems.
- enhance their analytical ability to analyse security policy
Admission
Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
No prerequisite knowledge beyond general Norwegian Higher Education Entrance Qualification
Recommended previous knowledge
STV1200 - Internasjonal politikk 1 (innføringsemne) or other introductory courses in international politics.
Teaching
Lectures and seminars.
Mandatory activities:
- Attend the first seminar (not the joint lecture)
- Write and present a seminar paper
- Comment on other students' papers
See the seminar guidelines for more information about the seminars.
Absence from mandatory activities
If you are absent from a seminar, you must notify the Department of Political Science within three workdays after the seminar. Contact your seminar leader immediatly in order to organise a new time for the activity.
Use this form to report absence. Valid documentation must be enclosed.
Examination
3 hour written exam.
3 days home examination.
The written exam consists of a short essay and fact-oriented questions (with limited choice options). The home examination will be on a given task without choice options.
The written exam counts 60% of the grade, and in order to pass the course, the home examination and the written exam must be passed in the same semester as the course is taught. You will receive one overall grade for the course.
Examination support material
Students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in before the examination. Please read regulations for dictionaries permitted at the examination.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English. You may submit your response in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
- Explanation of grades - deadline and processing time
- Appeal about grades
- Complaint about formal exam errors
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
If you wish to withdraw from the exam you must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the deadline. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
Evaluation
Feedback from our students is essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. All courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students on a particular course to participate in a more comprehensive, periodic evaluation of this course.
Plan for periodic evaluations at the Department of Political Science.