COP2: Security: Theories, Practices and Dilemmas of Widening the Concept
Hosted by the University of Copenhagen
5 - 22 August 2013
The course introduces the theory of securitization and other theories about the widened concept of security and practical dynamics of managing “new security threats” in different fields including climate change, religion, financial crisis, intelligence and migration. The course will be strongly interdisciplinary and feature experts in the relevant fields where the threats are currently designated. With the theory of securitization at the centre (but covering other “security schools” and risk studies as well) this course will provide participants with the theoretical tools for examining the political stakes and dynamics involved when new issues are addressed as “security issues”.
This course aims to tackle some of the major challenges of the 21st century. It is an opportunity to live and learn, intensively, at a foreign university, work with outstanding peers from around the globe and to learn about research from top professors.
The 2013 course will once again be highly interactive, as the opportunities for discussion in class were evaluated extremely positively by the 2011 and 2012-students. Field trips and lectures by practitioners will also be a vital ingredient – as one student puts it: "The course enabled me to understand the topic in a broader context and with regard to policy practice."
Some sessions will be devoted to the literature critically examining and improving on the theories (primarily the securitization-framework, but also security and relevant international relations theory in general), while others will be oriented to specific kinds of "new threats" and involve both practitioners and academics specialized in these areas. The two kinds of focus will be interlaced to ensure a dynamic experience for the participants. In 2013, the theme of risk – "the dangerousness of the future" will also feature in the program. The theory oriented part will be mostly structured around presentations by the course leader and other teachers and group discussions by participants. The thematic parts will be based on lectures from specialists and practitioners and excursions.
Excursions will be made to the Parliament, Danish Institute for International Studies, Danish Foreign Ministry, the Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims, and more. Social activities and excursions to sights in and around Copenhagen will also be a part of the program.
3rd year undergraduate and 1st and 2nd year graduate. All disciplines are welcomed at this summer school and no specific background in Political Science is required. Inter-disciplinarity is highly valued in order to ensure maximum output for both students and lectures.
On the basis of carefully selected readings and teaching by scholars who have been pivotal in developing the relevant theories, the course will be ambitiously aimed at engaging students at the research frontier, and with the help of issue specialists, they will be guided towards both application of the theories and further re-thinking. Lectures by practitioners and visits to relevant sites will also ensure this.
A reader will be produced containing the main articles from theory debates as well as exemplary applications of the various theories.
This Summer Program will be co-taught by the course leaders (Director of CAST, Dean Ole Wæver and post doc at CAST Ulrik Pram Gad) and faculty from the departments of political science, law, anthropology, geography, and religious studies as well as researchers affiliated with other organizations. Meetings with and lectures by practitioners will also play a pivotal role in this summer school.
One oral presentation (20%), participation in class activities/discussion (20%) and one 5,000 word essay completed within 4 weeks after the course (60%).
Contact hours: app. 80
Credit equivalent: 10 ECTS
Accommodation will be available in student halls of residences. Costs range from DKK 3,000-4,500/month and one month's rent refundable deposit. Students must arrive by Sunday, 4 August 2013.
Students will be able to check in from early August. Check-out date is at the end of August.
| Tuition fees | : | IARU students from EU/EEA countries – Tuition fee DKK 2,300 IARU students from non-EU/EEA countries – Tuition fee DKK 12,750 IARU students whose home university has a GSP exchange agreement with the University of Copenhagen – no tuition fee (seek information from your local GSP coordinator) |
| Accommodation including any deposits | : | Approximately DKK 3,000-4,500/month and one month's rent refundable deposit. |
| Other deposits | : | N/A |
| Field Trip | : | Sponsored |
| Textbook Fees | : | DKK 400 |
| Miscellaneous Fees | : | DKK 1,000 (est.) |
| Living Expenses | : | Approx. DKK 2,000 – 3,000 |
- Can I participate in more than one GSP course at your University, concurrently?
No, that is not possible at the University of Copenhagen - If I am accepted, when will I receive more course details, such as course content, reading lists, timetables, payment schedule & cancellation policies, campus maps and other logistics details?
Yes, the course coordinators will contact you directly with all the information you need before the course begins. Our course coordinators will be in touch as soon as you have been accepted to this GSP. Programs and other details will be send out in spring. - Will I have access to student facilities such as computer labs, libraries and health services at the hosting university?
There may be limited access to these facilities, but course coordinators will be available to give advice for each course. The University of Copenhagen does not provide health services so we recommend students to take out travel insurance before departure to cover their stay in Copenhagen. If you need a GP or dentist during your stay, you are able to contact any local GP or dentist to make an appointment. Your course coordinator or local students in your course can assist with contact details. You are also welcome to come to the University of Copenhagen student guidance centre in Fiolstræde 1 or call (+45) 3532 2918 for assistance. - Will I need a visa to attend this GSP course?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. If you require a visa, you will receive all the required application material with your letter of admission from the University of Copenhagen. EU/EEC nationals do not require a visa.
Please contact the International Office admission team if you have questions regarding your visa This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. - How can we interact with other participants and GSP alumni before the course?
Please visit our GSP Facebook page and join the various events groups to meet informally with other GSP participants as well as alumni. You may also post questions to course coordinators on the FB Wall.
You can direct your questions about course credits and scholarships to your home institutions. More details about the application process and deadlines will be available in the "How to Apply" page.
For further information about this course, visit www.cast.ku.dk or contact Helene Hagel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
