Course syllabus War Studies: Theories, Development and Modern Research Debates
Swedish name: Krigsvetenskapens teorier, framväxt och moderna forskningsinriktningar
Course code:
3FN0021
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2025
Education cycle:
Third cycle
Scope:
15.0 credits
Progression:
undefined
Grading scale:
Two-grade scale
Main field of study:
Department:
Department of War Studies and Military History
Subject:
War Studies
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Institutionen för krigsvetenskap
Decision date:
2024-12-09
Entry requirements
Admitted to a doctoral programme at a national or international university.
Course content and structure
This introductory course of the PhD-programme in War Studies aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of war within War Studies. The course covers the development of the discipline and modern research traditions by focusing on central theoretical debates in the study of war, warfare and how military power is used, created and directed.
The course consists of a series of seminars where the PhD student reads and discusses central texts in various research areas and analytical traditions within War Studies, including gender and other critical perspectives. During the seminars, the doctoral student is expected to contextualise the readings in a historical context, as well as to gain an understanding of the development of the discipline and how this development is reflected in the development of the social sciences more broadly. In this way, a deeper understanding is developed of how War Studies is both delimited by and contributes to research in related disciplines.
The course is examined by active and constructive participation in the seminars as well as by a written final paper, which is presented at the final seminar.
Type of Instruction
Seminars
The course consists of a series of seminars where the PhD student reads and discusses central texts in various research areas and analytical traditions within War Studies, including gender and other critical perspectives. During the seminars, the doctoral student is expected to contextualise the readings in a historical context, as well as to gain an understanding of the development of the discipline and how this development is reflected in the development of the social sciences more broadly. In this way, a deeper understanding is developed of how War Studies is both delimited by and contributes to research in related disciplines.
The course is examined by active and constructive participation in the seminars as well as by a written final paper, which is presented at the final seminar.
Type of Instruction
Seminars
Objectives
Upon completion of the course the doctoral student should be able to:
- Identify connections between various War Studies theories and research traditions
- Contextualise the development of theories in War Studies
- Analyze trends and general debates within the history of ideas in War Studies
- Relate their own research to both classical and modern research traditions within War Studies
Examination formats
Assessment
Scope: 15
Grading Scale: Fail, Pass
The course is examined through active and constructive participation in the seminars and a written assignment in which the doctoral student critically discusses and problematises central debates in War Studies as well as their own contribution to War Studies. The written assignment should also be presented at the final seminar.
Grading
The doctoral student is graded on a two-point grading scale: Fail (U) and Pass (G).
Restriction in Numbers of Examinations
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Scope: 15
Grading Scale: Fail, Pass
The course is examined through active and constructive participation in the seminars and a written assignment in which the doctoral student critically discusses and problematises central debates in War Studies as well as their own contribution to War Studies. The written assignment should also be presented at the final seminar.
Grading
The doctoral student is graded on a two-point grading scale: Fail (U) and Pass (G).
Restriction in Numbers of Examinations
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Transitional provisions
Other regulations
The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.
If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the doctoral student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examinations for the doctoral student.
The course director will conduct an evaluation on the completion of the course, which will form the basis for any changes to the course.
If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the doctoral student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examinations for the doctoral student.
The course director will conduct an evaluation on the completion of the course, which will form the basis for any changes to the course.