Course syllabus The Defence Policy and Military Strategy of the Nordic Countries
Swedish name: De nordiska ländernas försvarspolitik och militärstrategi
Course code:
2SS077
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2022
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
A1N
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
Political Science: Security Studies
Department:
Department of Political Science and Law
Subject:
Political Science
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Forsknings- och utbildningsnämndens kursplaneutskott (KUS)
Decision date:
2022-01-01
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree 180 higher education credits
Course content and structure
The course aims to increase the student's ability to analyse both states' control of military force and strategic decisions regarding the creation and use of the military force. The course introduces current research on military strategy, with a special focus on small states' strategic choices and on the defence policies and strategies of the Nordic countries during the 2000s.
The course contains both rationalist and constructivist approaches to the study of military strategy and strategic decision-making. In addition, the course aims to impart knowledge of both case study methodology and comparative studies.
The course is divided into five components. It begins by discussing the security policy situation in the Nordic countries as well as these countries' security and defence policy choices. Focus then shifts first to the Nordic countries' military strategies for participating in international military operations and then on the same aspects of national defence. The fourth component deals with the Nordic countries' defence cooperation, with emphasis on the creation of military resources. The final component is an examination.
Type of Instruction
The course contains both rationalist and constructivist approaches to the study of military strategy and strategic decision-making. In addition, the course aims to impart knowledge of both case study methodology and comparative studies.
The course is divided into five components. It begins by discussing the security policy situation in the Nordic countries as well as these countries' security and defence policy choices. Focus then shifts first to the Nordic countries' military strategies for participating in international military operations and then on the same aspects of national defence. The fourth component deals with the Nordic countries' defence cooperation, with emphasis on the creation of military resources. The final component is an examination.
Type of Instruction
- Instruction is in the form of self-studies, lectures and seminars.
Objectives
After completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
Competence and skills
Judgement and approach
Knowledge and understanding
- Present the division of roles and responsibilities in the formulation of security and defence policy by small states.
Competence and skills
- Problematise small states' formulation of military strategies for national defence.
- Apply the theoretical perspectives regarding analysis of small states' formulation of defence policy and military strategy that was introduced during the course.
Judgement and approach
- Critically discuss the participation of small states in international military operations.
- Critically discuss the participation of small states in international cooperation for the creation by military means of force.
Examination formats
Assessment takes place individually through the submission of individual written assignments and active participation in mandatory seminars. Examination papers submitted after the deadline will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.
The examiner may decide to allow supplementation in order to achieve a passing grade. After announcement of the supplemental task, the student has three days for supplementation, unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.
Grading
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 a grade of Pass (G) for the course, the student must earn a grade of Pass (G) for the individual written paper and Pass (G) for the mandatory seminars.
To earn a grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, the student must fulfil the requirements for earning Pass (G) plus earn a grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) for the individual written paper.
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
The examiner may decide to allow supplementation in order to achieve a passing grade. After announcement of the supplemental task, the student has three days for supplementation, unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.
Grading
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 a grade of Pass (G) for the course, the student must earn a grade of Pass (G) for the individual written paper and Pass (G) for the mandatory seminars.
To earn a grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, the student must fulfil the requirements for earning Pass (G) plus earn a grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) for the individual written paper.
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Transitional provisions
When a course is no longer provided or when the content of a course has been significantly altered, the student has the right to be examined in accordance with this course syllabus once per semester over a period of three semesters.
Other regulations
The course cannot be part of a degree with another course whose content matches the content of this course in whole or in part.
The course is given as an elective course within the Master's Programme in Politics and War. It can also be given as a freestanding course.
This is an edited version of the syllabus, created to transfer the original to the education database Ladok education planning. For originals, refer to the archive.
- If a student has a decision from the Swedish Defence University regarding special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
- On completion of the course, an evaluation will be conducted under the auspices of the course director and will serve as the basis for any changes to the course.
The course is given as an elective course within the Master's Programme in Politics and War. It can also be given as a freestanding course.
This is an edited version of the syllabus, created to transfer the original to the education database Ladok education planning. For originals, refer to the archive.