Singapore University of Social Sciences

Theory and Practice in Security Studies

Theory and Practice in Security Studies (SEC331)

Synopsis

Theory and practice in Security Studies focuses on national security. The concepts and examples used will show how a nation-state provides for the physical and emotive security of its geographical boundaries in order to protect its citizens. The objective of national security is to provide a safe and secure environment for the people of a given country in terms of the national interest and the national agenda. This course covers the various issues that arise in conjunction with the rise of the nation-state such as war, peace, conflict and consensus, and interpretations that exceed the discipline of Security Studies. The course shows how important it is to explain the nexus between the theory and practice of Security Studies for Southeast Asia in general and Singapore in particular.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every July

Topics

  • Theories and Concepts in security studies
  • Strategies in security studies
  • National security and small states
  • Singapore and the national security
  • Threat perception
  • Risk assessment
  • Globalization in terms of national security strategy
  • Meaning of culture in terms of the state, nation-state and multi-national state
  • The problem of human rights
  • The problem of civil society
  • Media roles and national security
  • Media as a threat to national security

Learning Outcome

  • Evaluate the different concepts and issues in Security Studies.
  • Critique the different theories in Security Studies.
  • Appraise concepts used in security studies in terms of politics.
  • Analyze the security risks in small states.
  • Evaluate theoretical issues in globalization with a focus on Asia.
  • Compare political issues in globalization with a focus on Asia and the West.
  • Assess the role of the social media in terms of security studies.
  • Debate the position of civil rights groups in terms of security studies.
  • Rate the state in terms of globalization in Southeast Asia.
  • Examine national identity and the state.
  • Compare the power of the media in different states.
  • Apply security studies concepts to seminar discussions.
  • Show the application of the realist, liberal and neoliberal schools in security studies.
  • Implement security concepts in academic writing (political science).
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