The word 'security' is omnipresent in media, politics and daily conversations. But what does it actually mean? What makes one feel secure? And, more importantly, how is security organised in order to improve it and what are effective ways to deal with (violent) conflicts? In other words, in what ways is security governed?This three-week programme will give students an in-depth look into the ways in which thinking and speaking about security have changed over time, and how stakeholders on various levels deal with conflicts and security, ranging from the international arena to the state and from private security companies to communities and individuals.Topics that will be discussed include international security, new wars, human security, "Responsibility to Protect", human rights, national security in a globalising world, cyber security, private security companies, gated communities, and citizens' initiatives in war situations.In addition to the regular lectures by academic director dr. Martijn Dekker, several guest lectures of prominent experts in the field will be organised, as well as a number of excursions, including visits to Brussels, The Hague and various interesting sites in and around the vibrant city of Amsterdam.

Period
20-07-2014 - 08-08-2014 (3 weeks)

Target group
Applicants for this summer course must be at least undergraduate (Bachelor) students. A minimum of a 2.75 GPA is required. Students from any major are welcome to apply. A general interest in the social sciences and an open mind are necessary.

Course aim
During this course we will look at how thinking and speaking about security has changed over time and how various stakeholders have adopted differing interpretations. We will consider security at various levels, ranging from the international arena to the state and from private security companies to communities and individuals.



Credits
6.0 ECTS creditsStudents will be required to submit several smaller assignments throughout the course. A research paper will also be assigned which must be submitted 1 month after the end of the course. Students will present their topics on the last day of classes.

Course fee
EUR 1350[Convert to USD]Special tuition rate for summer 2014!EUR 500[Convert to USD]Student housing

Course leader
Dr Martijn Dekker is a political anthropologist, specialised in human security from below: how people confronted with armed conflict try to improve their own security.His research interests include self-organised security initiatives in war situations,

Scholarships
Some scholarships are available. Please see our website for more details.

University of Amsterdam Graduate School of Social Sciences
Address: Kloveniersburgwal 48
Postal code: 1012 CX
City: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.gsss.uva.nl/summer
E-mail: summer-gsss@uva.nl
Phone: +31 20 525 3776