International relations

What is War

Module code: L2072A
Level 6
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay, Coursework

What is war? How does war shape our societies? How do specific social and political orders shape what war is?

On this module, you will gain an advanced understanding of war as a social phenomenon. We will scrutinise what war is and how, if at all, it is different from other forms of violence. We will also explore connections between war and law, gender, technology, culture and media, and resistance and peace.

You will use this knowledge to examine specific case studies, gaining in-depth insight into the multifaceted nature of war. During the module, you will develop transferrable skills, from research and analysis to presentation, which will help you think, talk and write in an informed and critical manner about war.

 

Module learning outcomes

• Develop a systematic and critical understanding of war, including its place in history and its role in human affairs.
• Develop a detailed conceptual understanding of the different approaches to the history and theory of war and the thinkers who have promoted these perspectives.
• Effectively synthesise and communicate the empirical and theoretical uncertainties, ambiguities and limits of the different approaches to the history and theory of war.