PO2COS: Contemporary Strategy

Module code: PO2COS

Module provider: Politics; School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Kenton White, email: kenton.white@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 23 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will introduce students to fundamental dimensions of thinking about war and the nexus with strategy in theory and practice. It addresses a set of major strategic theoretical and practical problem areas. It is designed to enable students to apply the knowledge and ideas from the modules ‘International Relations’ and 'War and Peace Since 1800'. 

This module will introduce you to a series of contemporary problems and how they stand in the field of modern strategy.  Aside from asking the question “What can military force do for you?”, the module asks, “Why is strategy so difficult?”. Using examples and practical simulations strategic problems will be understood and their contemporary relevance comprehended. 

The module includes voluntary attendance at the British Army Combat Power Demonstration. This may change subject to restrictions. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Understand the foundations of strategy and the problems associated with converting strategic theory into practice
2. Recognise and evaluate critically different schools of thought about strategic and security issues
3. Recognise persisting issues in diverse historical contexts
4. Specify and analyse leading issues of enduring concern to governments and defence professionals

The module also aims to encourage the development of written and oral communication skills and the students' effectiveness in group situations, with some analytical procedures carried out as part of a team.

Module content

1. What Is Strategy?
2. The Theory and Application of Strategy
3. The Practice of Strategy
4. Different Types of War
5. Strategy And Technology
6. Dimensions or Geographies of War
7. Deterrence
8. Civil-Military Relations
9. State And Non-State Strategy
10. The Strategy of WMD

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and classes. This is an introduction to the concepts and theories of strategy and their relationship with war and politics. It addresses the demands and challenges of strategic and security analysis in the modern period from a theoretical and practical standpoint. After exploring the theoretical foundation of strategy, we will look at practical examples from history and recent events. 

The module uses current research and historical examples to illustrate strategic choices and theories. There are also several simulations and wargames run in-seminar which help students understand the development and execution of strategy. Students are expected to take part in team-based simulations using relevant archival and other written and digital resources. 

Study hours

At least 30 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Class discussion, participation in simulations, Q&A sessions following presentations. 

Reassessment

Additional costs