Course syllabus Nuclear Weapons in International Security
Swedish name: Kärnvapens betydelse i internationell säkerhet
Course code:
1SS088
Valid from semester:
Autumn Term 2024
Education cycle:
First cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
G1N
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:
2023-10-24
Entry requirements
General entry requirements + Samhällskunskap (Civics) A alternatively Samhällskunskap (Civics) 1b alternatively Samhällskunskap (Civics) 1a1 + 1a2 and
English proficiency equivalent to English B or English 6 is also required.
English proficiency equivalent to English B or English 6 is also required.
Course content and structure
The aim of the course is to create opportunities for the student to gain a general understanding of the role of nuclear weaponry in international security. The course ranges from the initial development and use of the atomic bomb in World War II through the superpower showdown of the Cold War onto the present multipolar age of nuclear modernisation. The student is given the opportunity to learn about the technological evolution of nuclear weapon systems and the relevant debates on issues of nuclear strategy, vertical and horizonal proliferation, and arms control. Attention will also be given to the social and cultural ramifications of life in the nuclear age. The course will draw on current issues and latest policy debates in an era of increasing nuclear instability. The course is structured around lectures, compulsory seminars, an individual written assignment in the form of a home exam, and self-study. The aim of the lectures is to introduce concepts and theories to facilitate engagement with the course literature ahead of the seminar. The compulsory seminars are the most important part of this course and active student participation is expected and required. The aim of the seminars is to allow the student to deepen their understanding of the course readings and of key issues, themes, and debates surrounding nuclear weapons. Seminar questions will be distributed beforehand to help the student reflect upon the central issues in the readings and to stimulate discussion during the seminars.
Type of Instruction
Type of Instruction
- Seminars
- Lectures
- Independent Study
Objectives
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
Competence and skills
Judgement and approach
Knowledge and understanding
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the significance of nuclear weapons for international security and global society since 1945.
Competence and skills
- Critically apply relevant concepts and theories of nuclear strategy and arms control.
Judgement and approach
- Independently engage in contemporary debates on nuclear issues such as modernisation, non-proliferation, and disarmament.
Examination formats
The course is examined through a written home examination and through active participation in compulsory seminars.
Active participation in the seminars presupposes that the student orally discusses key issues and problems within the framework of the course based on the course literature.
The examiner may decide that absence from a seminar or participation that does not achieve the grade pass (G) in certain cases can be supplemented with a complementary written assignment. Such an assignment must be submitted or presented within three working days, as from when the examiner communicates such information.
In the case of not fulfilling the requirements for the grade Pass (G) on the written examination the student may be given a complementary written assignment to achieve the grade Pass (G). The student has three working days to complete such task, unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner. Late examinations are not graded unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner.
Grading
For the written home examination the student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG). For the seminars the student is graded on a two-point grading scale: Fail (U) and Pass (G). Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.
For the grade G on the course, the student must obtain the grade G in the compulsory seminars and the grade G on the written home examination.
For the grade VG on the course, the student must obtain the grade G in the compulsory seminars and the grade VG on the written home examination.
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Active participation in the seminars presupposes that the student orally discusses key issues and problems within the framework of the course based on the course literature.
The examiner may decide that absence from a seminar or participation that does not achieve the grade pass (G) in certain cases can be supplemented with a complementary written assignment. Such an assignment must be submitted or presented within three working days, as from when the examiner communicates such information.
In the case of not fulfilling the requirements for the grade Pass (G) on the written examination the student may be given a complementary written assignment to achieve the grade Pass (G). The student has three working days to complete such task, unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner. Late examinations are not graded unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner.
Grading
For the written home examination the student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG). For the seminars the student is graded on a two-point grading scale: Fail (U) and Pass (G). Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.
For the grade G on the course, the student must obtain the grade G in the compulsory seminars and the grade G on the written home examination.
For the grade VG on the course, the student must obtain the grade G in the compulsory seminars and the grade VG on the written home examination.
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Transitional provisions
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.
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 student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
On the completion of the course, an evaluation will be conducted under the auspices of the course director, which will form the basis for any changes to the 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 the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
On the completion of the course, an evaluation will be conducted under the auspices of the course director, which will form the basis for any changes to the 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.