Global Security

INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL SECURITY STUDIES
SYLLABUS
Instructor: Dr. Tom O'Connor

COURSE DESIGNATION: GSS 2010 Introduction to Global Security Studies (3 semester hours)

CATALOG DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITES: Security studies is moving from a purely state-centric focus anchored in the military instrument to one considering transnational issues with global implications, implying collaborative effort to address these issues. Topics include conventional and critical security, gender and age, environmental security, international law, migration, intra-state conflict, terror, and American global power. (no prerequisites)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: GSS 2010 is designed to be the introductory, foundational course for the 18 semester hour Minor in Global Security Studies. It is open to all students and helps prepare students for careers in government, business, education, or international organizations by complementing any major with an understanding of the emerging challenges presented by a globalizing world. Global Security Studies is the study of transnational security issues which have global implications such as war, terrorism, crime, conflicts, population movements, famine, disease, poverty, natural disasters, and accidents. Threats to security span a wide spectrum of threats to the survival of someone, be they individuals, groups, nations, regions, or the world community. This course provides theoretical perspectives and methods of analysis for understanding the nature and origins of security threats as well as the tools needed for in-depth examination of emerging threats and current events.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. To acquire an understanding of how security threats are defined and addressed
2. To understand the dynamics by which actors prioritize security threats
3. To examine the historical contributions of globalization to security issues 
4. To appreciate the ethical, political, and social dilemmas of security policies 
5. To articulate informed opinion about the costs and benefits of global security
6. To think critically about the nature of developing global security needs   

GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS:

In addition to the above objectives, the more general goals of this course are to provide the student with the following tools to help develop his or her potential:
1. Development of the student's analytical thinking capabilities through comparison and contrast in the application of theories and concepts to social problems
2. Enhancement of the student's literacy skills through assigned readings, discussions, examinations, and other requirements
3. Utilization of the historical perspective which helps with student understanding of evolutionary developments over time
4. Understanding of the scientific method through research requirements and in-depth case studies
5. Improvement in social interaction skills and understanding human behavior through consideration of the impact legal and social systems have on individuals
6. Increased student awareness of cultural and multi-cultural issues through study of how social problems and social movements are related to, and affect, minority groups
7. Preparation for more advanced study in global security, homeland security, and international relations

CONTENT OUTLINE:

Week 1: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 1 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 2: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 2 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 3: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 3 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 4: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 4 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 5: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 5 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 6: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 6 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 7: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 7 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 8: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 8 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

REQUIRED LEARNING RESOURCES:

Main Textbook/Required Textbook: Hough, Peter. (2004). Understanding global security. NY: Routledge. ISBN-13: 978-0415296663.

Supplemental Reference: American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5e. Washington DC: APA.

Additional Learning Resources at Instructor's website for course at http://www.apsu.edu/oconnort/

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to read and follow the schedule in the course syllabus, to read assigned text chapters, to read assigned Lecture Notes, and to seek and read additional suggested resources as provided by the textbook and Instructor. In addition, students are expected to be alert, attentive, and have a demonstrated desire to participate in discussion. Exams are to be completed within the deadlines given by the Instructor, and any special instructions for writing assignments will be announced during the course term by the instructor and must be followed precisely.

BASIS AND METHODS FOR GRADING:

25% Midterm Examination (M/C mostly)
30% Final Examination (M/C with essay questions)
30% Writing Assignment (8 pages minimum)
15% Participation and Discussion (Attendance counts)

The grade scale used in this course is a 7-point scale, as follows:

A = 93-100
B = 86-92
C = 78-85
D = 70-77
F = 69/below

ATTENDANCE POLICY: An attendance roster is kept (or login records, if this is a web-based course), and students are expected to regularly attend or login as appropriate for a three-semester hour course. If an assignment deadline is to be missed for circumstances beyond the student's control, prior permission of the instructor must be obtained, and arrangements made for submission of the work. Regular late submission of work as well as tardiness and absenteeism will result in reduction of the final grade by at least one letter, depending upon severity. An "Incomplete" can only be given if the student has normally completed at least half the coursework, has a reasonable justification, and makes arrangements with the instructor.

DISABILITY POLICY: Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss this matter, or you may contact Disability Services; telephone 221-6230; voice 221-6278; voice tty.

POLICY ON MINORS: Minors (any non-student under the age of 18) accompanying staff, faculty, students, or visitors on campus are not permitted in any classroom.

ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT: Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times. Academic and classroom misconduct will not be tolerated. Students must read the "Code of Student Conduct" in the new Student Handbook for an understanding of what will be expected of them within the academic setting. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated, and any student found cheating or plagiarizing will receive an "F" for the work in question, and possibly an "F" for the course, and may be recommended for suspension from the University.  Cheating is defined as not working on exams or assignments alone, and plagiarism is defined as taking the work of someone else's as one's own.  APSU uses software that will identify plagiarism.

The above schedule and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.