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INR322Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Contemporary Strategic Studies

This course provides students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of theories in strategic studies and their significance to conflict and conflict resolution in the 20th century. It explores the contributions of classical and modern thinkers to the field. Students will learn to apply different approaches in strategic studies to diverse areas of conflict, including warfare, geopolitics, and deterrence. The course also equips students with the skills to evaluate strategic studies literature and apply key concepts to real-world events.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Strategic StudiesConflict Resolution20th CenturyStrategic TheoryDeterrence

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Strategic Theory

2

Strategy Formulation

3

War and Peace

4

Conflict Resolution

5

Deterrence

6

Foreign Policy Analysis

7

Defence Policy

8

Game Theory

9

Operational Research

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Self-Assessment Exercises

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Intelligence Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Military Strategist

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentMilitaryInternational OrganizationsConsultingAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Starting Point: Understanding Strategy

2h

Unit 1: What is Strategy?

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit introduction to understand the scope and objectives.
  • •Study the various definitions of strategy provided.
  • •Identify the inherent features in the definition of strategy.
  • •Reflect on the different types of strategy and their applications.
Week
2

Module 1: Starting Point: Understanding Strategy

2h

Unit 2: Scope of Strategic Studies in the 20th Century

2 study hours
  • •Define the sub-discipline of strategic studies.
  • •Identify the scope and focus of 20th Century strategic studies.
  • •Describe the methods for tests for strategy.
  • •Explain the process of strategy execution.
Week
3

Module 1: Starting Point: Understanding Strategy

2h

Unit 3: Strategy Formulation

2 study hours
  • •Describe the various schools of thought in strategy formulation.
  • •Differentiate between Prescriptive and Process views of strategy formulation.
  • •Apply the various schools of thought to real life situations.
  • •Identify the weaknesses inherent in the various schools.
Week
4

Module 1: Starting Point: Understanding Strategy

2h

Unit 4: Science, Technology and Strategy

2 study hours
  • •Describe the role of science and technology on strategy.
  • •Identify the impact of strategy on science and technology.
  • •Analyse the impact of human will and resistance on strategy.
  • •Show how science and technology, tactics, human will and strategy are interrelated.
Week
5

Module 2: Modern Concepts and Theories in Strategic Studies

2h

Unit 1: Operational Research

2 study hours
  • •Define the concept of Operational Research.
  • •Explain how Operational Research can be used as a tool for strategy.
  • •Trace the evolution of the concept of Operational Research.
  • •Identify features of a problem that Operational Research seeks to solve.
Week
6

Module 2: Modern Concepts and Theories in Strategic Studies

2h

Unit 2: Game Theory

2 study hours
  • •Explain what is meant by Game Theory.
  • •Identify various examples of Game Theory.
  • •Identify the elements of games.
  • •Describe the application of Game Theory in Strategic Studies.
Week
7

Module 2: Modern Concepts and Theories in Strategic Studies

2h

Unit 3: Theories of Conflict and Conflict Resolution

2 study hours
  • •Explain why a study of theories of conflict and conflict resolution is necessary.
  • •Describe different theories of conflict.
  • •Critique the various theories of conflict.
  • •Identify the contributions of individuals to conflict resolution.
Week
8

Module 2: Modern Concepts and Theories in Strategic Studies

2h

Unit 4: Theories of War and Peace

2 study hours
  • •Define what is 'war'.
  • •Differentiate between the various theories of conflict.
  • •State the basic assumptions of Just War Theory.
  • •Identify the weaknesses of the theories of war.
Week
9

Module 3: Processes of Strategic Studies

2h

Unit 1: Deterrence

2 study hours
  • •Explain what is meant by Deterrence.
  • •State the basic assumptions of deterrence theory.
  • •Identify the evolution of the concept of deterrence.
  • •Critique deterrence theory.
Week
10

Module 3: Processes of Strategic Studies

2h

Unit 2: Strategic Planning

2 study hours
  • •Describe the concept of strategic planning.
  • •Explain the strategic planning process.
  • •Identify the benefits of strategic planning.
  • •Delineate the imperative of strategic leadership and war strategic plan.
Week
11

Module 3: Processes of Strategic Studies

2h

Unit 3: Foreign Policy Analysis

2 study hours
  • •Explain what is meant by foreign policy analysis.
  • •Trace the emergence of foreign policy analysis as a field of inquiry.
  • •Identify theories of foreign policy.
  • •Critique theories of foreign policy.
  • •Describe the structural constraints of developing countries in foreign policy decision making.
Week
12

Module 3: Processes of Strategic Studies

2h

Unit 4: Defence Policy

2 study hours
  • •Define defence policy.
  • •Establish the linkage between foreign policy and defence policy.
  • •Explain the role of intelligence in defence policy.
  • •Analyse the role of armed forces in defence policy.
  • •Identify the imperative of public support for defence policy.
Week
13

Module 4: Contribution of Classical and Grand Strategists to Strategic Studies

4h

Units 1-4: Review of Module 4

2 study hours
  • •Review all Classical and Grand Strategists
  • •Prepare for final examination

Units 1-4: Review of Module 5

2 study hours
  • •Review all Modern Strategists
  • •Prepare for final examination

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs).

2

Create concept maps linking key theories and concepts from Modules 1-3.

3

Focus on understanding the core assumptions and limitations of each strategic theory.

4

Apply strategic theories to analyze historical and contemporary conflicts.

5

Practice writing concise summaries of key thinkers and their contributions.

6

Prepare case studies applying concepts of strategic studies to geographical area studies and current world events.

7

Create flashcards for key terms and definitions from each unit.

8

Review the contributions of Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Jomini, and Mahan.

9

Compare and contrast the strategic thought of modern strategists like Hitler, Schelling, McNamara, and Boyd.

10

Focus on understanding the relationship between war and politics, and the demands each makes upon the other.

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