Vår 2025

STV-2008 International Security - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for samfunnsvitenskap

Type of course

Theoretical. This is considered an optional course that can contribute towards a bachelor degree in political science, as one of the options required at the 2000 level. This can also be used as an elective course for the bachelor programs in health administration and other social sciences, as well as law, fisheries and humanities. The course can be taken as a singular course.

Course contents

This course discusses the development of the concept of security, the security debate, as well as different forms of threats and use of force. The concept of security is discussed within a variety of definitional forms, and contextualizes them within the broader security debate. Some of the perspectives covered include: traditional security (state), liberal security approaches including societal and human security, various security schools (Copenhagen, Wales) and the roles of different actors in creating security.

Admission requirements

Nordic applicants: Generell studiekompetanse

International applicants: Higher Education Entrance Qualification and certified language requirements in English.

A list of the requirements for the Higher Education Entrance Qualification in Norway can be found on the web site from the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT). For language requirements we refer to NOKUT's GSU-list.

Application code: 9199 (Nordic applicants).

Objective of the course

Upon passing the course, the student will have obtained the following knowledge/skills: Knowledge and comprehension

Knowledge pertaining to different conceptualizations of security, and security policy in general.
Knowledge pertaining to different forms of threats and the use of force.

Skills

Can work independently within different issue areas using security perspectives for analysis
Can make use of theoretical tools within new issue areas
Can explain the security debate and its relevance as a tool for society

Competence

Can independently develop their own competence and expertise in the field of international security.
Capable of disussing issues, analyses and conclusions within the field of international security, both academically as well as with regard to policy.

Language of instruction

English. All exam work can be submitted in either English or Norwegian.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 10 x 2 hours of lectures.

Quality assurance of course: this course is evaluated once per year, with a teaching evaluation and a final evaluation. The teaching evaluation consists of a discussion with the primary lecturer. The final evaluation will take place either orally or written.