IR5800 Modern War and Strategy

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Compulsory for Strategic Studies Postgraduate programme

Planned timetable

Thursdays 11am - 1pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof S Scheipers

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof Sibylle Scheipers

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The module will provide students with essential knowledge of strategy and military history. It will be taught in tandem with the second core module of the M.Litt in Strategic Studies, which focuses on the history of strategic thought. Taken together, both modules will equip students with an overview of the academic field of strategic studies. It will also help students acquire the necessary skills and techniques for independent further study of topics and questions in strategic studies. The module structure envisages a mix of historic and conceptual topics. Historic topics include the Second World War, nuclear strategy and limited war. Conceptual topics include strategy and technology, strategy and the law and strategic culture.

Relationship to other modules

Co-requisites

YOU MUST ALSO TAKE IR5801

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour seminar

Intended learning outcomes

  • Have an advanced understanding of strategic theory and strategy making
  • Have a nuanced overview of the history of military strategy in the twentieth century
  • Be able to assess critically social science research on this topic
  • Develop their written and oral skills through essays, examinations, and presentations in the tutorial programme
  • Possess the capacity to critique current debates in strategy.