The module introduces students to how security has been reconceptualised since the Cold War and then applies this to a case study of Europe, which includes analysis of how the security architecture has evolved, and how strategic dissonance between key state actors has developed. It then analyses the responses made to the challenges posed to European security provision by key states and international organisations. Particular attention is paid to the USA, Russia, NATO, the EU and the E-3 states.

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

Ø  Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key concepts concerned with security

Ø  Compare and contrast approaches of leading states towards post-Cold War European Security

Ø  Critically assess the evolving security architecture

Ø  Understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research, and to be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, whilst demonstrating originality in addressing and solving problems

Ø  Demonstrate specialist knowledge of the latest scholarly research in the area of European security, as well as an ability to reflect upon theoretical and empirical issues in a sophisticated manner

Ø  Distinguish between the principal forms of reasoning and argument used in scholarly literature on international relations and European security.

Lectures, seminars, essay feedback, and guided independent study

Knowledge and Understanding:

Ø  Understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research, and to be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, whilst demonstrating originality in addressing and solving problems

Ø  Demonstrate specialist knowledge of the latest scholarly research in the area of European security, as well as an ability to reflect upon theoretical and empirical issues in a sophisticated manner

Ø  Distinguish between the principal forms of reasoning and argument used in scholarly literature on international relations and European security.

Intellectual Skills:

Ø  Apply skills of independent research

Ø  Gather organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of sources, demonstrate an ability to appreciate and offer balanced assessments of arguments and information, and present the findings and conclusions in seminar discussion and the assessment essay

Ø  Develop a reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise criticai judgement in the use of information

Ø  Exhibit originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the area of European security.

Ø  Reflect on their own learning, make use of constructive feedback and manage their own learning self-critically

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

Ø  Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key concepts and arguments concerned with post-Cold War European security

Ø  Critically analyse and evaluate national responses to post Cold War European security

Ø  Critically compare and contrast contributions to European security by international organisations

Ø  Critically evaluate relations between leading state actors in European security

Transferable Skills:

Ø  Communicate ideas effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing.

Ø  Use communication and information technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information.

Ø  Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management.

Ø  Collaborate with others and contribute to the achievement of common goals.

Ø  Develop techniques for self-reflection and improvement

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Opportunity to re-submit an essay after completion of PART ONE modules in semester 2

·         Post-Cold War Security: Geo-strategic Change and Re-conceptualisations of Security

·         European Security Architecture: NATO and the EU

·         The USA, Transatlantic Relations and European Security

·         Russia and European Security

·         The E-3 and European Security

·         Conclusions

Indicative Reading and Resource List:

The subject is fast-moving and students are expected to use journal articles, quality newspapers, the European Documentation Centre and quality websites in addition to a large literature – indicative titles include:

·         S. Marsh and W. Rees (2011), The European Union in the security of Europe

·         Tomas Karasek ed. (2008), European Union in a New Security Environment

·         Charlotte Wagnsson (2008), Security in a greater Europe: the possibility of a pan-European approach

·         Asie Toje (2008), America, the EU and strategic culture: renegotiating the transatlantic bargain

·         Seth G. Jones (2007), The rise of European security Cooperation

·         Adrian Hyde-Price (2007), European security in the twenty-first Century: the challenge of multipolarity

·         Stefan Gähzle and Allen G. Sens eds (2007), The changing politics of European security: Europe alone?

·         Andrew Cottey (2007), Security in the new Europe

·         S. Croft, J. Howorth, T. Terriff and M. Webber (2005), NATO and the New Europe

·         Richard Sakwa (2008), "New Cold War" or twenty years' crisis?’ International Affairs, 84:2

Robert Legvold (ed 2007), Russian foreign policy in the twenty-first Century and the shadow of the past