BSS459 Strategies of insurgency and counterinsurgency

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2016
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 8 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Tomáš Kaválek (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Iveta Hlouchová, Ph.D. (assistant)
Guaranteed by
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D.
Division of Security and Strategic Studies – Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Lucie Pospíšilová
Supplier department: Division of Security and Strategic Studies – Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Mon 13:30–15:00 M117
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract
This course is intended as an analytical overview of the historical and present strategies of insurgency and counterinsurgency. Students should be able to understand and to analyze insurgency and counterinsurgency at the strategic level. They should be able to compare and to predict the strategic thought in this sphere and to evaluate experiences from insurgent and counterinsurgent activities.
Key topics
1. Introduction to the course 2. Conceptualizing of insurgency 3. Conceptualizing of counterinsurgency 4. History of insurgent strategies 5. History of counterinsurgent strategies 6. Contemporary strategies of insurgency 7. Contemporary strategies of counterinsurgency 8. Expert lecturers and discussions I. 9. Expert lecturers and discussions II. 10. Expert lecturers and discussions 11. Case studies of insurgency and counterinsurgency I. 12. Case studies of insurgency and counterinsurgency II. 13. Case studies of insurgency and counterinsurgency III.
Study resources and literature
  • Extended valid list of literature is in the IS (study materials)
  • GARDNER, Hall. American global strategy and the "War on Terrorism". Aldershot, Hampshire: Ashgate, 2005, 231 s. ISBN 0754645126. info
  • BUNKER, Robert J. Networks, terrorism and global insurgency. London: Routledge, 2005, xxvi, 211. ISBN 0415385946. info
  • O'NEILL, Bard E. Insurgency & terrorism : inside modern revolutionary warfare. Washington: Brassey's (US), 1990, x, 171. ISBN 1574883356. info
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
The course takes the form of both lectures and seminars. There are explained important issues within lectures, which are further discussed during seminars. Presentation of outlines of students' seminar works is a part of a seminar, as well as presentation of the poistion papers (related with literature).
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
Students will receive a final letter grade for the semester based on the following components: Reports from expert lecturers (6 points): Students are expected to write reports from 3 expert lectures and discussions (or compensatory activities), which includes information about lecturer(s) or author(s), short description of lecture and following discussion, main strengths and possible weaknesses and personal statement of students towards the topic of lecture. Length of the report: 2000-2300 characters. Deadline: one week after the lecture. Presentation of the outline of the final paper (seminary thesis) (max. 6 points) and the final paper (seminary thesis) (max. 18 points). The final paper (in the form of scientific article) should be written to the topic relevant to the course (length 35 000 – 40 000 characters, longer thesis only after consultation with lecturer). The topic of the final paper and date of presentation of its outline specifies lecturer (in relation to its topic). Components of evaluation: original authors approach, relevant goals and methods, theoretical background, conceptualizing of the topic, structure, sources and literature. Date of presentation depends on lecturer´s decision. Deadline for submission: 1st June. Final written test (max. 30 points): There will be a final in-class written exam, consisting of five questions based on the required readings and the discussions in class. At least ¼ points from each part is necessary condition in this course (2 from reports, 2 from outline, 4 from final written thesis, 8 from final written test). Grading: 56-60: A 51-55: B 46-50: C 41-45: D 36-40: E 0-35: F
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2016, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2016/BSS459