International Security

Code:

ISI01

Acronym:

ISI

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
CNAEF	Political science and citizenship

Instance: 2024/2025 - SP (of 07-10-2024 to 07-02-2025)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of History, Political and International Studies
Course/CS Responsible:	Introduction to International Security

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
UF_ISI	12	Study plan	1	-	3	20	81

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

1. To identify and understand the main schools of thought, theories and concepts related to Security Studies
2. To analyse the main dynamics and root causes of conflict in the international system
3. To understand the need for institutions that promote international security, and analyse strategies of international interventionism and conflict resolutions in specific contexts
4. To identify and analyse the main threats to international security
5. To critically analyse the main international debates on security

Learning outcomes and competences

- Acquire basic knowledge about the theory and practice of international security, in the context of Security Studies;
- Identify transversal trends to international security in most states and regions;
- Critically evaluate the theoretical approaches, the main concepts, local, regional and global security architectures, and the main contemporary challenges for international security today;
- Understand and explain the importance of international security, and apply the knowledge gained in Security Studies to the study of international politics and international relations.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Theoretical approaches to security studies
 1.1. Realism
 1.2. Liberalism
 1.3. Constructivism
 1.4. Critical Theory and Feminism
2. Main concepts in security
 2.1. War
 2.2. Terrorism
 2.3. Intelligence
 2.4. Culture
 2.5. Genocide and crimes against humanity
 2.6. Ethnic conflict
 2.7. Human security
 2.8. Poverty
 2.9. Climate change and environmental security
3. International security architecture
 3.1. Alliances
 3.2. Regional and global institutions
 3.3. Peace operations
 3.4. Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regimes
4. Contemporary challenges to international security
 4.1. Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
 4.2. Energy security
 4.3. Food security
 4.4. Health and security
 4.5. Disasters and security

Mandatory literature

Cavelty, M. D.; Balzacq, T. (ed.) ; Routledge Handbook of Security Studies. 2nd Edition, London: Routledge, 2016. ISBN: 9781138803930
Collins, A. ; ) Contemporary Security Studies. 5th Edition. , Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019. ISBN: 9780198804109
Hough, P; Malik, S.; Moran, A.; Pilbeam, B. ; International Security Studies: theory and practice, Abingdon: Routledge, 2015. ISBN: 9780415734370
Kaldor, M. ; New and Old Wars. 3rd Edition, Cambridge: Polity Press, 2012. ISBN: 9780745655625
Williams, P. (ed.) ; Security Studies: An Introduction. 3rd Edition, Abingdon: Routledge, 2018. ISBN: 9781315228358

Teaching methods and learning activities

- Most sessions are interactive theoretical-practical classes, which aim to familiarize the students with basic notions about each of the program's topics. In these sessions, student participation will be promoted through the discussion of texts previously distributed by the teacher;
- Tutorial guidance classes, where students should discuss and develop the preparation of a critical review that is relevant in the thematic scope of the course.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Trabalho escrito	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	20,00
Frequência das aulas	20,00
Trabalho escrito	41,00
Total:	81,00

Eligibility for exams

75% attendance.

Calculation formula of final grade

Critical review - 100%