Why do some regions of the world enjoy lasting peace and security, while others are plagued by conflict? This course will explore a potential answer to that question: security communities, or groupings of states in which a large-scale use of violence (such as war) has become very unlikely or even unthinkable. The course will investigate the theoretical basis for security communities, examine current security communities such as Europe and North America, and debate the possibilities for security communities in regions such as Africa and South America. Finally, the course will examine the policy possibilities that spring from the concept of security communities: are there actionable policies that we can use to promote the assurance of peaceful dispute resolution between states?
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Analyse initial and contemporary theorizing about the concept of security communities
2. Evaluate evidence for the existence of Western security communities
3. Dissect debates about the possibilities for security communities in non-Western societies
4. Make informed arguments about the best ways to use policy to promote security communities around the world
Indicative Assessment
Theoretical Discussion Paper (10%) (500 words) (LO 1)
Major Essay (40%) (2000 words) (LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
Reading Analysis (10%) (500 words) (LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
Final Exam (40%) (multiple choice) (LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Students are expected to spend approximately 10 hours a week on this course, participating in a weekly 3-hour course workshop (lecture and discussion), working through the reading program, and completing the assessment tasks. The total workload over the semester is 130 hours.Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Emanuel Adler and Michael Barnett, Security Communities (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998).Assumed Knowledge
Understanding of international relations theory.Majors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3054 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4368 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
