Admission requirements
This course will be taken as part of the minor European Approaches to Societal Challenges.
Description
The main aim of this course is to introduce participants to the major challenges posed to European security and defence, and to give them a thorough understanding of the main European security institutions and policies for safeguarding peace and security in the wider European realm, with a focus on the European Union (EU) and its core partners. In light of the rapidly changing security environment in Europe and worldwide, several key questions will be addressed in this course: What is the understanding of ‘security’ in our current context? What are the main security challenges posed to peace in Europe and in the world? How are key actors in Europe –institutions, member states, other states involved in addressing security challenges and supporting peace and security? How have the main European institutions dealing with European security evolved over time? In what ways do European institutions cope with the complex and multidimensional challenges they are faced with today?
The course will address these questions from legal, historical, political science, organizational and international relations perspectives.
Course objectives
Upon successful completion of the course participants will have:
acquired comprehensive knowledge of the core challenges posed to European security;
developed a thorough understanding of the core contemporary and historical aspects of the evolution of European security and defence;
broadened their understandings of current issues in European security as well as main actors involved in providing security in Europe;
developed an understanding of the responses of European institutions and states to security challenges in the world, including the erosion of the multilateral rule-based order and rise of power politics
advanced their capacity to critically reflect upon problems related to European security and defence from an interdisciplinary perspective, and engage critically with the academic literature in the topics examined during the course.
Schedule
The timetables are available through MyTimetable (see the button in the upper right corner).
Teaching method
The class meets once a week, for two hours. Each week is dedicated to a different topic. Each weekly session consists of a lecture and in-class discussion on the basis of the mandatory readings, and might involve case studies and practical exercises on a topical issue, when appropriate.
Assessment method
Final exam (%100)
The final grade is determined by a final exam consisting of different types of knowledge and analysis questions. If the grade is insufficient, the final exam can be retaken.
Resit, review & feedback
Information on the time and location of inspection and debriefing of the exam will be announced via Brightspace no later than the publication of the grades.
Reading list
The reading list will be available on Brightspace approximately two weeks before the starting date.
Registration
See general information about the minor.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (in the right information bar). For questions about enrolment, contact the Student Services Centre: ssc@leiden.edu.