Choose one of the topics to write a critical literature review:

1.Choose a specific war between states since the end of the Second World War and explain its causes.

2.Choose a political ideology and explain how it contributes interstate conflict.

3.How did the end of the Cold War transform patterns of international conflict and securitv policy?

4.How do China's rise and foreign policy choices reshape the international order?

5.What impact does the Russo-Ukrainian war have on the security architecture in Europe?

6.How has the concept of human security challenged traditional security thinking within international relations scholarship?

7.What are the challenges the liberal international order currently faces?

2.Guidance for Assessment

SEMESTER 2:Introduction to security-we will explore the topics of security,encompassing sources of conflicts,conditions for peace,human security,and other related issues.

Your Literature Review should use a minimum of 10 sources.

Further advice/directions

1.Why a literature review?

In essays you argue or prove a point.A literature review looks at current research and scholarship (in its many forms)to discover what we know and don't know about a topic at this present time.     The skill of being able to read,understand and then present this information concisely directly

feeds into your final year dissertation.

Not to be confused with a book review or literature summary,a literature review surveys scholarly articles,book chapters or books relevant to a particular issue,area of research,or theory,

providing a description,summary,and critical evaluation of each work.

2.What is the purpose of a literature review?

A critical look at the existing research that is significant to the work that you are carrying out.

-    To provide background information.

-    To establish importance

-    To demonstrate familiarity

-    To "carve out a space"for further research

A literature review may constitute an essential chapter of a thesis or dissertation,or may be a self- contained review of writings on a subject.In either case,its purpose is to:

-    Place each work in the context of its contribution to the understanding of the subject under review.

-    Describe the relationship of the article/book chapter to other scholarship in the same area of research.

-    Identify new ways to interpret,and shed light on any gaps in,previous research.

-    Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous studies.

-    Identify areas of prior scholarship to prevent duplication of effort.

-    Point the way forward for further research.

3.Components

Literature reviews should comprise the following elements:

-    An overview of the subject,issue or theory under consideration,along with the objectives of the literature review.

-    Division of works under review into categories(e.g.those in support of a particular position, those against,and those offering alternative theses entirely).

-    Explanation of how the article/book chapter is similar to and how it varies from the others in the same area of research.

-    Conclusions as to what are the strength and weaknesses of the article/book chapter,what is most convincing about it,and how it makes a contribution to the understanding and development of the overall area of research /discussion it is a part of.

In assessing each piece,consideration should be given to:

-    Provenance—What are the author's credentials?Are the author's arguments supported by evidence(e.g.primary  historical  material,case  studies,narratives,statistics,recent  scientific  findings)?

-Objectivity—Is the author's perspective even-handed or prejudicial?Is contrary data considered or is certain pertinent information ignored to prove the author's point?

-    Persuasiveness—Which of the author's theses are most/least convincing?

-    Value—Are the author's arguments and conclusions convincing?Does the work ultimately contribute in any significant way to an understanding of the subject?

3.Assessment Support and Feedback

Formative Component Students submit formative literature summaries on individual readings to introduce them to critical engagement.

Assessment Support willtake place during …

The introductory session will discuss the Critical Literature Review assignment and students are encouraged to submit their formative assignments by week 5(independent study week)for

individual feedback.

Feedback will take the form of written feedback on canvas.

4.Transferrable Skills Developed through Assessments

Skills developed at university can be applied to the workplace and your applications for internships.

Transferrable skills developed through these assessments are as follows:

·Written communication  skills

·analysis

·critical thinking

·research

·Organisation  and  Time  Management

·Problem    Solving