Contemporary Strategic Studies
- Social Sciences
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 201 pages
- 20 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Self Assessment Exercises
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of INR322, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
INR322 · UNIT 1 WHAT IS STRATEGY?
There are many definitions of strategy as they are experts and commentators in the field. A sample of these is given below. They illustrate the fact that despite the choice of words and phrases, there is considerable agreement on what constitutes the essential characteristics of strategic management.
What you should be able to do
- Define strategic studies and its scope.
- Identify classical thinkers and their contribution to modern day strategy.
- Identify various modern strategic thinkers and their contributions to 20th century strategy.
- Describe various theories applied in strategic studies.
- Apply strategic theories to real life events.
- Apply different approaches to Strategic Studies to a wide and diverse area of conflict and interactions at the international level.
What it prepares you for
- Diplomat
- Policy Analyst
- Intelligence Officer
- Military Strategist
- International Relations Specialist
- Government
- Military
- International Organizations
- Consulting
- Academia
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Modern Concepts and Theories in Strategic Studies
Unit 2: Game Theory
Game Theory requires understanding of mathematical models and strategic interactions, which can be challenging for students without a strong quantitative background.
- Module 3: Processes of Strategic Studies
Unit 3: Foreign Policy Analysis
Foreign Policy Analysis requires understanding of complex political systems, international relations theories, and decision-making processes, making it challenging to apply in real-world scenarios.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Starting Point: Understanding Strategy
Unit 1: What is Strategy? · 2 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 2Module 1: Starting Point: Understanding Strategy
Unit 2: Scope of Strategic Studies in the 20th Century · 2 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 3Module 1: Starting Point: Understanding Strategy
Unit 3: Strategy Formulation · 2 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 4Module 1: Starting Point: Understanding Strategy
Unit 4: Science, Technology and Strategy · 2 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 5Module 2: Modern Concepts and Theories in Strategic Studies
Unit 1: Operational Research · 2 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 6Module 2: Modern Concepts and Theories in Strategic Studies
Unit 2: Game Theory · 2 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 7Module 2: Modern Concepts and Theories in Strategic Studies
Unit 3: Theories of Conflict and Conflict Resolution · 2 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 8Module 2: Modern Concepts and Theories in Strategic Studies
Unit 4: Theories of War and Peace · 2 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 9Module 3: Processes of Strategic Studies
Unit 1: Deterrence · 2 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 10Module 3: Processes of Strategic Studies
Unit 2: Strategic Planning · 2 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 11Module 3: Processes of Strategic Studies
Unit 3: Foreign Policy Analysis · 2 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 12Module 3: Processes of Strategic Studies
Unit 4: Defence Policy · 2 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 13Module 4: Contribution of Classical and Grand Strategists to Strategic Studies
Units 1-4: Review of Module 4 · 2 hours
Review all Classical and Grand Strategists. Prepare for final examination.
Units 1-4: Review of Module 5 · 2 hours
Review all Modern Strategists. Prepare for final examination.
Preparing for the exam
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs).
- Create concept maps linking key theories and concepts from Modules 1-3.
- Focus on understanding the core assumptions and limitations of each strategic theory.
- Apply strategic theories to analyze historical and contemporary conflicts.
- Practice writing concise summaries of key thinkers and their contributions.
- Prepare case studies applying concepts of strategic studies to geographical area studies and current world events.
- Create flashcards for key terms and definitions from each unit.
- Review the contributions of Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Jomini, and Mahan.
- Compare and contrast the strategic thought of modern strategists like Hitler, Schelling, McNamara, and Boyd.
- Focus on understanding the relationship between war and politics, and the demands each makes upon the other.
Questions students ask about this course
What is INR322 about?
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.
How many units does INR322 have?
INR322, Contemporary Strategic Studies, has 20 units across 5 modules, over 201 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is INR322?
INR322 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Social Sciences.
Is INR322 hard?
INR322 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does INR322 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is INR322 assessed?
INR322 is assessed by Self Assessment Exercises, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with INR322?
Diplomat, Policy Analyst, Intelligence Officer, Military Strategist and International Relations Specialist.