58勛圖

IR4402 Defence Policy

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

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 10

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.

Planned timetable

Mon, Tues; time TBC

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

Module coordinator

Dr A Gilli

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

Module Staff

Dr Andrea Gilli

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

Module description

The field of international relations has paid significant attention to grand strategy (countries' courses to achieve high-level goals) and military effectiveness (armed forces' performance in battle). However, very few scholars have looked systematically at what connects strategy and warfighting, namely defense policy. As a result, a set of studies and works are avaiable, but they are rarely organized coherently. The current module aims at filling this gap, both given its academic relevance and the policy salience: ongoing discussions in Western Europe are ultimately about defense policy. The module will then present an overview of the way defence policy is developed, approached and theorized as well as about its main elements: from campaign analysis to force planning, defence posture to campaign analysis.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006. [THOUGH IT WILL BE OPEN TO VISITING STUDENTS AS APPROPRIATE]

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Exam = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1h lecture X 11 week, 2h tutorial X 11 weeks

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand how (military) organizations turn strategic imperatives into (defence) policy decisions
  • Analyze changes in the policy and understand their causes and consequences
  • Acquire practical simulation skills
  • Work effectively in small groups.
  • Produce cogent, clear and analytical arguments that are supported by relevant evidence, both in oral presentations and in written assignments.
  • Engage effectively and critically in classroom discussions and activities, thereby honing their communication and listening skills.