Course syllabus Human Security and the Responsibility to Protect

Bachelor of Science Degree in Military Studies or Bachelor's degree worth 180 credits, of which 90 credits are in war studies or another related, relevant subject, such as international relations, peace and conflict studies, security studies, political science, etc.

English proficiency equivalent to English B or English 6 is also required.

The course examines two important concepts in the international security landscape – Human Security and Responsibility to Protect (R2P). While human security shifts security focus from the state to the individual, R2P can be described as a norm, based on the notion that state sovereignty is not a privilege, but a responsibility.

Together, these concepts challenge our understanding of security, the state and the rules/norms of the international state system. They are therefore of great interest for both practical and academic reasons. The purpose of the course is not to argue for human security and R2P, but rather create a deeper understanding of these ideas – where they come from, how they have evolved, and how they relate to theories on strategy and international security. Human security and R2P will thus be critically examined from an academic and practical perspective by asking questions about their usefulness for the study of security and strategy, for decision-making at the national and international level, and for strategic and operational planning and implementation.

Instruction is in the form of lectures and seminars.

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Discuss the relevance of human security and R2P as tools in operational analysis and planning.

Competence and skills

• Problematise theoretical and historical assumptions about human security and R2P, as well as the legal, organizational and political context in which these concepts are used.
• Independently and critically apply the theoretical perspectives introduced during the course on contemporary and historical cases.

Assessment takes place through active participation in the mandatory seminars and written submission in the form of a memorandum.

Examinations submitted late will not be graded unless special circumstances exist and the examiner finds the reason acceptable.

The examiner may decide to allow supplementation in order for a passing grade to be achieved in the course. The supplementation shall be submitted no later than three working days after notification of the examination results and the decision on supplementation, unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.

Grades are set according to a three-grade scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Grading criteria are specified by no later than the start of the course.

To earn the grade Pass (G), the student must actively and constructively participate in mandatory seminars and earn a grade of Pass (P) on the written assignment in the form of a memorandum.

To earn the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) in the course, the student must meet the requirements for Pass (G) and earn a grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) on the written assignment in the form of a memorandum.

When a course is no longer provided or when the content of a course has been significantly altered, the student retains the right to be examined in accordance with this course syllabus once per semester during a three-semester period.

The course cannot be part of a degree with another course whose content is wholly or partly in accordance with the content of this course.