To introduce students to relevant legal and policy frameworks - domestic and international - through which to understand contemporary security challenges, particularly in the context of the United Kingdom.

To challenge students to realise the interconnection between distinct bodies of law, such as, international human rights law, constitutional and administrative law, criminal law and immigration law in the context of counter-terrorism and national security.

To prepare students to understand critically such concepts as terrorism, counter-terrorism, national security and state of emergency.

To enable students to explore the wider context of conflict and security challenges, historically, socially and conceptually.

(LO1) Students will be able to identify relevant domestic and international legal and policy frameworks and explain how these frameworks operate in periods of crisis, for example, in the context of national security and counter-terrorism.

(LO2) Students will be able to problematize and discuss in a critical light various terms associated with national security and counter-terrorism, for example, the definition and concept of terrorism.

(LO3) Students will be able to demonstrate a detailed understanding of the history and genesis of emergency powers and be capable of discussing how such powers have been used in the United Kingdom and how they relate to contemporary counter-terrorism.

(LO4) Students should be able to understand, analyse and evaluate national and international strategies for dealing with conflict and security challenges, such as the challenge posed by terrorism.

(LO5) Students should be capable of reflecting on the future and the value of human rights in facing challenges to security.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

Introduction: Syllabus, Key Themes of the Module, Learning Resources

Part I:
The UK National Security Legal Framework: Anti-Terrorism laws, policies, practices

The definition of terrorism in the UK

Impact of counter-terrorism on human rights and civil liberties:

Detention and due process; freedom of expression; impact of surveillence on the right to privacy (case studies subject to change)

Judicial Review including the impact of the Human Rights Act and European Law on domestic law and practices

Part II:
The history and genesis of special/emergency powers in times of conflict or national security crisis

Martial Law, Emergency Powers and the Colonies

The Conflict in Northern Ireland

What is an Emergency? States of Emergency Provisions in International Human Rights Conventions

Part III: 
International Legal Framework for Counter-Terrorism

The globalisation of conflict, terrori sm and counter-terrorism

What is Security? What is Terrorism?

This syllabus is subject to small changes - see the module handbook

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: The lectures provide a broad introduction to the key legal and policy frameworks and the most relevant debates surrounding conflict and security. They provide direction for independent study by framing the required reading and by identifying areas for discussion. The lectures also facilitate student interaction including discussion and questions.
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: The seminars provide a forum for discussion, group work and problem-solving. The seminar discussions enable you to explore topics in more depth and to share your ideas and develop your thinking. In addition, the seminars are used to prepare for assessment. The seminars take place in Weeks 2,4,6,8 and 10. Each seminar is 1.5 hours long
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The seminars provide a forum for discussion, group work and problem-solving. The seminar discussions enable you to explore topics in more depth an d to share your ideas and develop your thinking. In addition, the seminars are used to prepare for assessment. The seminars take place in Weeks 2,4,6,8 and 10. Each seminar is 1.5 hours long

Teaching Method 3 - Other
Description: Drop-In: The drop in session offers the student the opportunity to discuss coursework or anything that has arisen as part of the module on an individual basis with the module leader.
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Drop-In: The drop in session offers the student the opportunity to discuss coursework or anything that has arisen as part of the module on an individual basis with the module leader.

Self-Directed Learning Description: Independent learning