Checking date: 26/05/2025 17:19:41


Course: 2025/2026

International Security Policy
(19626)
Bachelor in International Studies (Plan: 504 - Estudio: 305)


Coordinating teacher: OZEL SERBETÇI, ISIK

Department assigned to the subject: Social Sciences Department

Type: Electives
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
none
Objectives
This course examines the major theories and empirical issues about security policies with a particular focus on the international level. It explores current and protracted issues in international security, a field that deals with the threat and use of force by states and non-state actors to achieve their political and military objectives. In addition to the main theories, it analyzes policy decisions and the trade-offs between goals and political, social, economic, military, legal, and ethical values, studying the interactions between states, organizations, institutions, and individuals in the formulation, implementation, and outcomes of policies. The course has three main objectives: (1) to understand the main theoretical perspectives and paradigms in security studies, (2) to examine the most salient substantive issues and debates in the field, including contemporary challenges; (3) to apply theories and paradigms to contemporary international security issues
Learning Outcomes
K1: Acquire the knowledge, techniques and terminology specific to the field of economics, politics and international relations. K3: To know basic humanistic contents, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary training profile. K4: Acquire knowledge of the economic, legal, political and social reality from a comparative perspective. K7: To know and understand the main models of political, economic and social organization of States and the processes of change in contemporary societies and politics. K8: To understand the differentiating elements of international problems according to the degree of development of a country. S2: Critically relate current and past events and processes S3: Plan and organize team work making the right decisions based on available information and gathering data in digital environments. S5: Apply knowledge to identify with rigor, precision and scientific objectivity the social processes and possible solutions. S6: Be able to apply the scientific method to the social, political and economic questions posed by the globalized society. S8: Knowing how to propose and use the appropriate tools to solve basic problems of economic, social and political content, especially in the international context. S10: Ability to gather and interpret relevant data and knowledge for the elaboration and defense of arguments on topics in their area of study. C3: Ability to establish good interpersonal communication and to work in multidisciplinary and international teams. C4: Be able to engage in lifelong autonomous learning, enabling them to adapt to new situations.
Description of contents: programme
1. International Security ¿ Key concepts and evolution of the field of international security and respective policies. 2. The main actors and institutions in international security 3. International Wars: Perspectives, Theories, and Empirical Data. 4. Civil Wars: Varied Perspectives, Theories, and Empirical Data. 5. New Challenges: Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity 6. New Challenges: Climate Change and Energy Security 7. New Challenges: Migration, human security and right to protect. 8. New Challenges: Geopolitical rivalry and the evolution of contemporary issues in international security research. 9. Critical perspectives.
Learning activities and methodology
Learning Activities -Lectures Sections -Practical classes -Classes which combine theory and practice Teaching Methodology This course consists of lectures and a number of activities which will be carried out by the students. In general, classes are designed in a manner to promote active participation and critical thinking of students. Therefore, it is essential that students come to class prepared to discuss the issues assigned for that particular session in light of the designated readings. Reduced groups/Seminars include a number of exercises carried out by the students as a team and individually. Designated exercises include group assignments, presentations, discussions and debates. Office hours Office hours which will be held on a weekly basis will be announced at the beginning of the semester. Additionally, students can consult with the professor about their specific questions via email.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination/test 50
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 50




Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • Bennett, D. Scott, and Alan C. Stam . The Behavioral Origins of War. University of Michigan Press. 2003
  • Brooks, Stephen . Producing Security: Multinational Corporations, Globalization, and the Changing Calculus of Conflict,. Princeton University. 2005
  • Bueno de Mesquita et al. . The Logic of Political Survival. The MIT Press. 2003
  • Smith, Michael E. . International Security: Politics, Policy, Prospects . , Palgrave Macmillan. 2017
Recursos electrónicosElectronic Resources *
Additional Bibliography
  • Alexandra Gheciu (ed.), William C. Wohlforth (ed.) . The Oxford Handbook of International Security . Oxford University Press. 2018
(*) Access to some electronic resources may be restricted to members of the university community and require validation through Campus Global. If you try to connect from outside of the University you will need to set up a VPN


The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.