Course syllabus Nuclear Weapons in International Security

This course is commissioned education without formal requirements. Participants are recommended to have the following previous knowledge:

General entry requirements + Samhällskunskap (Civics) A alternatively Samhällskunskap (Civics) 1b alternatively Samhällskunskap (Civics) 1a1 + 1a2 and

English proficiency equivalent to English B or English 6 is also required.

The aim of the course is to create opportunities for the participant to gain a general understanding of the role of nuclear weaponry in international security. The course ranges from the initial development and use of the atomic bomb in World War II through the superpower showdown of the Cold War onto the present multipolar age of nuclear modernisation. The participant is given the opportunity to learn about the technological evolution of nuclear weapon systems and the relevant debates on issues of nuclear strategy, vertical and horizonal proliferation, and arms control. Attention will also be given to the social and cultural ramifications of life in the nuclear age. The course will draw on current issues and latest policy debates in an era of increasing nuclear instability. The course is structured around lectures, compulsory seminars, an individual on-campus written examination, and self-study. The aim of the lectures is to introduce concepts and theories within the readings to facilitate engagement with the course literature ahead of the seminar. The compulsory seminars are the most important part of this course and active participation is expected and required. The aim of the seminars is to allow the participants to deepen their understanding of the course readings and of key issues, themes, and debates surrounding nuclear weapons. Seminar questions will be distributed beforehand to help the participant reflect upon the central issues in the readings and to stimulate discussion during the seminars.

Type of instruction

Seminars

Lectures

Independent Study

Upon completion of the course the participant should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

• Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the significance of nuclear weapons for international security and global society since 1945.

Competence and skills:

• Critically apply relevant concepts and theories of nuclear strategy and arms control.

Judgement and approach

• Independently engage in contemporary debates on nuclear issues such as modernisation, non-proliferation, and disarmament.

The course is examined through an on-campus written examination and through active participation in compulsory seminars.

Active participation in the seminars presupposesthat the participant orally discusses key issues and problems within the framework of the course based on the course literature.

The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments for the participant to be able to achieve a passing grade on the course. A supplementary assignment (kompletteringsuppgift) shall be submitted no later than three working days after the result and the supplementary assignment for the examination in question have been notified. Examination papers submitted late will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.

Grading

For the on-campus written examination the participant is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG). For the seminars the participant is graded on a two-point grading scale: Fail (U) and Pass (G). Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.

For the grade G on the course, the participant must obtain the grade G in the compulsory seminars and the grade G on the on-campus written examination.

For the grade VG on the course, the participant must obtain the grade G in the compulsory seminars and the grade VG on the on-campus written examination.

Restrictions in number of examinations

There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.

When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the participant has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.

The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.

On the completion of the course, an evaluation will be conducted under the auspices of the course director, which will form the basis for any changes to the course.