POL4772 Issues in International SecurityBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs ENERGY SYSTEMS ENGINEERINGGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
ENERGY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
POL4772 Issues in International Security Spring 3 0 3 6
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Hybrid
Course Coordinator : Assoc. Prof. ESRA ALBAYRAKOĞLU
Course Lecturer(s): Prof. Dr. EBRU ŞULE CANAN SOKULLU
Recommended Optional Program Components: None
Course Objectives: Security has been an indispensable dimension of international relations and world politics. Since the end of the Cold War era there has been a remarkable change in security studies, from issues and actors to theories of security. The course aims to offer new directions in the study of ‘security’, to provide a broad survey of some of the theoretical and contemporary issues in global and regional security from its Cold War past to its post-Cold War present and opening up alternative ways of thinking about the future. This course introduces students to the theoretical debates and empirical analysis about ‘security’ at different levels (local, regional, global), with a focus on traditional, modern and post-modern security themes ranging from military security to societal security sectors. Given the theoretical and practical importance of studying international security for political science and international relations students, students learn strategic and security analysis not only concentrating on national security issues but also extending their comprehension with post-Cold War security issues such as threats emanating from non-state actors directed to non-state actors. This course will thus enable students to have a complete worldview about international politics.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
The students who have succeeded in this course;
1. Grasp theoretical and conceptual knowledge about security.
2. Comprehend multilevel and multisectoral analysis of security.
3. Gain a basic knowledge about post-Cold War security issues in world politics.
4. Formulate well-articulated and supported arguments about issues of international security
5. Develop competencies with respect to active inquiry and critical thinking.


Course Content

The definition of the “security concept”, theoretical perspectives into security studies; traditional security understanding: Military threat and war; intelligence and its role in national security; non-conventional weapons; terror and non-state actors; environmental and energy security; pandemics and health; societal security: ethnic conflict and security; regional security; transnational security.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction to and overview of the Course What is “security”? Framing the issue and context (*) Paul D. Williams “Security Studies an introduction (1-13) Shahin Malik “Framing a discipline (3-12);
2) Traditional perspectives into security studies (*) Edward Smith “The traditional routes to security: Realism and Liberalism” ” in Hough et al (2015) (12-31); Colin Elman and Michael Jensen “Realisms” in Williams (2013) (15-31); Cornelia Navari “Liberalisms” in Williams (2013) (32-48). Canan-Sokullu “Security and Challenges in the Twenty first century” in Canan-Sokullu (2013);
3) Critical perspectives into security studies (*) Shahin Malik “Challenging orthodoxy: Critical Security Studies” in Hough et al (2015) (31-44); (*) Matt McDonald “Constructivism” in Williams (2013) (63-77); Wendy Stokes “Feminist Security Studies” in Hough et al (2015) (44-57); Peter Lawler, “Peace Studies” in Williams (2013) (77-90); Pınar Bilgin, “Critical Theory” in Williams (2013) (90-107); Canan-Sokullu “Insulator, Bridge, Regional Center” in Canan-Sokullu (2013). Articles for Presentation 1. Sears, N. A. - “International Politics in the Age of Existential Threats” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2021, 2. Vasquez, J. P. – “Patriot Games, War Games, and Political Football: A Constructivist Analysis of Militarization in an American Sport” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2020, Pages 299–318, 3. Wibben, A. T.R. “Everyday Security, Feminism, and the Continuum of Violence” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2020, Pages 115- 121, Mc Intosh, C. “Theorizing the Temporal Exception: The Importance of the Present for the Study of War” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 5, Issue 4, October 2020, Pages 543–558,
4) Military security (*) Bruce Pilbeam “Reflecting on War and Peace” in Hough et al (2015) (87-104); (*) Paul Williams “War” in Williams (2013) (187-206). William Hartung “International Arms Trade” in Williams (2013) (441-457). Sunum için Makaleler Bruce Pilbeam “New wars, globalisation and failed states” in Hough et al (2015) (104-119); Andrew Moran “Nuclear proliferation” in Hough et al (2015) (119-133); Bruce Pilbeam “The international arms trade in conventional weapons” in Hough et al (2015) (133-150); James Wirtz “Weapons of Mass Destruction” in Alan Collins Contemporary Security Studies, NY: Oxford University Press, 2007, (270-289) Articles for presentation: 1. Kuo, K. “Military Innovation and Technological Determinism: British and US Ways of Carrier Warfare, 1919–1945” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2021, 2. Lantis, J. S. “Advocacy Coalitions and Foreign Policy Change: Understanding US Responses to the Syrian Civil War” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2021, 3. Zielinski, R. C. and P. Poast “Supplying Allies: Political Economy of Coalition Warfare” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 1, March 4. Gholz, E. And H. M. Sapolsky “The Many Lines of Defense: The Political Economy of US Defense Acquisition” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2021, 5. Atkinson, D. B. Et al “Rivalry, Uncertainty, and Militarized Compellent Threats” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2021, 6. Campbell, P. “Military Realism and Doctrinal Innovation in Kennedy's Army: A New Perspective on Military Innovation” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 5, Issue 4, October 2020, Pages 675–694, 1. Koch, L. L. And M. Wells “Still Taboo? Citizens’ Attitudes toward the Use of Nuclear Weapons” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2021,
5) Regional security (*) Louise Fawcett “Regional Institutions” in Williams (2013) (355-374) (*) Peter Hough “Regional Security Organisations” in Hough et al (2015) Buzan Ch. 5 “Regional Security” Thomas G. Weiss and Danielle Zach “the United Nations” in Williams (2013) (374-393) Bruce Pilbeam “The United Nations and the responsibility to protect” in Hough et al (2015) (287-306) Andrew Moran The North Atlantic Treaty Organization: continuity and change in Hough et al (2015) (306-319) Articles for Presentation 1. Wilhelmsen, J. “Spiraling toward a New Cold War in the North? The Effect of Mutual and Multifaceted Securitization” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2021, 2. Recchia, S. “Overcoming Opposition at the UNSC: Regional Multilateralism as a Form of Collective Pressure” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2020, Pages 265–281 3. Weiffen, B. Et al “Reorganizing the Neighborhood? Power Shifts and Regional Security Organizations in the Post-Soviet Space and Latin America” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2021
6) Pandemics and health security (*) Colin McInnes “Health” (324-336) Audio – visual World Health Week Discussions 1.
7) Midterm
8) Terrorism (*) Andrew Moran “Terrorism” in Hough et al (2015) (150-164); (*) Paul Rogers “Terrorism”; (*) Jeffrey Haynes “Religion and international conflict” in Hough et al (2015) (164-178); 1. Paul R. Pillar “Counterterrorism” in Williams (2013) (457-471)
9) Terrorism Articles for Presentation 13. Josua, M. “What Drives Diffusion? Anti-Terrorism Legislation in the Arab Middle East and North Africa” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2021, 14. Rubin, M. A. And R. K. Morgan “Terrorism and the Varieties of Civil Liberties” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2021, 15. Baele, S. J. “Lethal Images: Analyzing Extremist Visual Propaganda from ISIS and Beyond” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 5, Issue 4, October 2020, Pages 634–657 16. Omelicheva, M. Y. And Markowitz L. P. - “When Does the Crime-Terror Nexus Fail to Materialize? Drug Trafficking, Militants, and the State in Russia” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 2, June 2021,
10) Societal Security, Gender and Identity Caroline Kennedy-Pipe “Gender and Security” in Alan Collins Contemporary Security Studies, NY: Oxford University Press, 2007, (75-91) Paul Roe “Societal Security” in Alan Collins Contemporary Security Studies, NY: Oxford University Press, 2007, (164-182). Bilgin, P. (2003) “Individual and Societal Dimensions of Security” International Studies Review, Vol. 5, No. 2 (Jun., 2003), pp. 203-222 Article for Presentation: 17. Kirby, P. And Shepherd, L. J. “Women, Peace, and Security: Mapping the (Re)Production of a Policy Ecosystem” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2021, 18. Gordon, E. Et al “Risks versus Transformational Opportunities in Gender-Responsive Security Sector Reform” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 2, June 2021, 19. Forsberg, E. And Olsson, L. “Examining Gender Inequality and Armed Conflict at the Subnational Level” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 2, June 2021, 20. Secen, S. “Explaining the Politics of Security: Syrian Refugees in Turkey and Lebanon” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2021, 21. Broache, M. P. And Cronin-Furman, K. “Does Type of Violence Matter for Interventions to Mitigate Mass Atrocities? Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2021, 1. Matesan, I. E. “Grievances and Fears in Islamist Movements: Revisiting the Link between Exclusion, Insecurity, and Political Violence” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2020, Pages 44–62,
11) Human Security (*) Fen Osler Hampson “Human security” in Williams (2013) (279-295); Sita Bali “Population Movements” in Williams (2013) (520-535) Articles for Presentation 1. Abbs,L. “The Language of the Unheard? Ethno-Political Exclusion and Ethnic Riots in Africa” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 2, June 2021 2. Curtice, T. B. “Rebels and the Regime: The Politics of Civilian Victimization” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 2, June 2021, 3. Lori, N. And K. Schilde “A Political Economy of Global Security Approach to Migration and Border Control” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2021, 1. Karreth, J et al “Explaining How Human Rights Protections Change After Internal Armed Conflicts” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2020, Pages 248–264,
12) Environmental Security (*) Peter Hough “Environmental Security” in Hough et al (2015) 211-225; (*) Michael Klare “Energy Security” in Williams (2013) (535-553), Simon Dalby “Climate Change and Environmental Security” in Williams (2013) (311-324); Einar Wigen “Pipe Dreams or Dream Pipe? Turkey's Hopes of Becoming an Energy Hub” Middle East Journal, Vol. 66, No. 4 (Autumn 2012), pp. 598-612 Goldstein, J. S. “Climate Change as a Global Security Issue” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 1, Issue 1, February 2016, Pages 95–98, Article for presentation Thiesen, O. M. Et al “Climate Wars? Assessing the Claim That Drought Breeds Conflict” International Security, Vol. 36, No. 3 (WINTER 2011/12), pp. 79-106     
13) Economic Security (*) Christopher Dent “Economic Security” in Alan Collins Contemporary Security Studies, NY: Oxford University Press, 2007, (104-221). Vincent Cable (1995) ‘What is International Economic Security?’ International Affairs (Royal Institute of International Affairs 1944-), Vol. 71, No. 2. (Apr., 1995), pp. 305-324. Articles for Presentation 1. Omelicheva, M. And C. Webb “Economic Crises and Terrorism: Analyzing Competing Economic Pressures on Terrorism in Russia” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2021, 2. Colgan, J. D. “Oil and Security: The Necessity of Political Economy” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2021, 3. Zielinski, R. C. et al “A Political Economy of Global Security Approach” Journal of Global Security Studies, Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2021, ogaa005
14) Review

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Reading with (*) is a compulsory weekly reading (the others without * are supplementary)
•Peter Hough et al (2015) International Security Studies: Theory and practice London: Routledge
•Paul D. Williams (ed) (2013), Security Studies: An Introduction NY: Routledge, 2013
•Alan Collins, Contemporary Security Studies, NY: Oxford University Press, 2007
•Canan-Sokullu, E. S. (ed) Debating Security in Turkey: Changes and Challenges in the 21st Century Maryland: Lexington (2013)
The list of reading and presentation material will be shared in the first week.
References: Articles in Course Package

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Homework Assignments 1 % 15
Presentation 1 % 15
Midterms 1 % 30
Final 1 % 40
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 40
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Workload
Course Hours 13 39
Study Hours Out of Class 13 77
Presentations / Seminar 1 15
Homework Assignments 1 15
Midterms 1 2
Final 1 2
Total Workload 150

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Build up a body of knowledge in mathematics, science and Energy Systems Engineering subjects; use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model and solve complex engineering problems.
2) Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex Energy Systems Engineering problems; select and apply proper modeling and analysis methods for this purpose.
3) Ability to design complex Energy systems, processes, devices or products under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; apply modern design methods for this purpose.
4) Ability to devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for solving complex problems in Energy Systems Engineering practice; employ information technologies effectively.
5) Ability to design and conduct numerical or pysical experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results for investigating the complex problems specific to Energy Systems Engineering.
6) Ability to cooperate efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; and show self-reliance when working on Energy Systems-related problems
7) Ability to communicate effectively in English and Turkish (if he/she is a Turkish citizen), both orally and in writing. Write and understand reports, prepare design and production reports, deliver effective presentations, give and receive clear and understandable instructions.
8) Recognize the need for life-long learning; show ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continuously educate oneself.
9) Develop an awareness of professional and ethical responsibility, and behave accordingly. Be informed about the standards used in Energy Systems Engineering applications.
10) Learn about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; develop an awareness of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.
11) Acquire knowledge about the effects of practices of Energys Systems Engineering on health, environment, security in universal and social scope, and the contemporary problems of Energys Systems engineering; is aware of the legal consequences of Energys Systems engineering solutions.