Course syllabus War, Peace, and the International Order

180 credits, of which 90 credits must be in War Studies or another similar subject. In addition, a level of proficiency in the English language, corresponding to English 6/English B or equivalent (for example, IELTS level 6.5 and above) is required.

The course provides the student opportunities to gain overarching knowledge of the international order in which war and peace takes place. The student explores and discusses several aspects of how the world is organized, using different theoretical lenses to see the different points of emphasis they bring. Starting with the international society tradition and moving through international organization and post-colonialism to arrive at the (Western) security order. Current threats to that arrangement are thereafter approached from a historical and institutional perspective.

The course is taught in 4 modules: First, the student studies the international society tradition as a way to understand war, peace, and international order historically and in the present. Second, the student learns about the network of international organizations through which a large portion of international politics currently takes place. Third, the student is acquainted with the historical processes leading up to the current international order, specifically touching on the historical processes of European expansion and of decolonization. Fourth, the student focuses on the security challenges and defence arrangements to which the international order gives rise.

The learning activities of the course include introductory lectures, written assignments, and seminar discussions where the student is trained to analyse war, peace, and international order based on the concepts and theories covered in the course. By authoring an individual final longer written assignment the student develop their ability to contrast and apply the theories and approaches introduced in the course. In addition, this longer written assignment offers the student the opportunity to delve deeper into one of the themes covered in the course.

Type of instruction 

Lectures, seminars

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe the functioning of the overarching international system in which military action occurs
• analyse the interaction of material factors, rules and norms that constrain war and peace

Competence and skills 

• prolematize the interaction of military pressure, international law, and diplomacy for security and insecurity
• apply the theoretical perspectives included in the course on current security challenges

Judgement and approach

• evaluate the balance of order and justice in a chosen issue of international security with a critical perspective.

The examination consists of four short written assignments, one for each module, active participation in the seminars, and a final longer written assignment. 

The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments in order to achieve a passing grade on the course. Supplementary assignments shall be submitted no later than three working days after the result and supplementary assignment for the examination in question have been notified. Examination papers submitted late will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.

Grading

The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG). Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.

To achieve the grade Pass (G) in the course, active and constructive participation in the mandatory seminars, Pass (G) in the written assignments, and Pass (G) on the longer written assignment are required. To achieve the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) in the course, in addition to the requirements for Pass (G), Pass with Distinction (VG) in the longer written assignment is also required.

Restrictions in Number of Examinations

There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.

When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.