View Specification DocumentEuropean and International Security Strategies SPS5026
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Social and Political Sciences
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course will enable students to critically evaluate and compare national security strategies as a 'whole-of-government' approach to the security challenges of the 21st century. Through in-depth country case studies students will analyse the evolution and application of grand strategy as a means to pursue the objectives that defend and advance national interest and security at global and regional levels.
Timetable
5 x 1 hour interactive lectures offered in Weeks 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8
6 x 90 minute seminars offers in weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8
Students also attend 5 x 1 hour workshops
Total teaching contact time 20 hours.
Requirements of Entry
Generic regulations apply
Excluded Courses
None
Assessment
Students will be required to write one essay (2500 words) worth 60% of the final grade, one briefing paper based on their presentation topic (1000 words) worth 15% of the final grade, and participate in a group facilitated workshop including a group presentation worth 25% of the final grade.
Course Aims
■ To introduce students to theories of strategy with a focus on understanding why grand national security strategies are becoming more commonplace in the 21st Century
■ To critically evaluate in-depth a range of European and international national security strategies and related documents.
■ To enable students to identify and critically assess the actual processes that nation states employ to craft national security strategy documents.
■ To introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of different drivers that inform how and why states plan for coordinated use of the instruments of state power at their disposal as a means to defend and advance their national interests.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Identify and explain the purpose of national security strategy and associated documents;
■ Be able to critically evaluate competing theories and apply relevant theoretical frameworks to the study of national security and grand strategy
■ Compare and critically analyse European and international security strategies
■ Advance reasoned and factually supported arguments on the evolution of national security strategy in a comprehensive written and verbal manner, both independently and as part of a group.