Information Package / Course Catalogue
International Security and Conflict Management
Course Code: UYL505
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Second Cycle (Master's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to provide students with a theoretical introduction to the field of security studies and to familiarize them with the main theoretical debates surrounding the concepts of security and conflict, as well as the historical transformation of these concepts over time. Within the scope of the course, students are expected to develop the ability to analyze security and conflict dynamics through different theoretical perspectives and to critically assess developments in international politics by employing these concepts.

Course Content

This course provides a theoretical and conceptual framework for the study of security and conflict management within the discipline of international relations. It examines traditional and critical approaches to security, the historical evolution of the concept of security, and its military, political, economic, societal, and environmental dimensions. The course also addresses key theoretical debates on conflict, types and causes of conflict, as well as approaches to conflict prevention, management, and resolution. Through case studies, the course aims to analyze contemporary developments in international politics through the lenses of security and conflict.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Res. Assist. Bilal Alper TORUN
Learning Outcomes
1.Explain the basic concepts, approaches, and historical development of the field of security studies.
2.Comparatively analyze traditional and critical theoretical approaches to the concept of security.
3.Assess the historical transformation and multidimensional nature of the concept of security.
4.Explain the concept of conflict, types of conflict, and the causes of conflict through theoretical frameworks.
5.Critically assess approaches to conflict prevention, management, resolution, and transformation.
6.Analyze contemporary developments in international politics by employing the concepts of security and conflict.
7.Develop academic and policy-oriented analyses of security and conflict dynamics through selected case studies.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Paul D. Williams, Security Studies – An Introduction, London and New York, Routledge
2.Collins, A. (2025). Contemporary Security Studies. Oxford University Press.
3.Williams, P. D. (2008). Security Studies – An Introduction. London: Routledge.
4.Haspolat, E. (2005). Devlet-Güvenlik İlişkisinin Değişen İçeriği: Dünyada ve Türkiye’de Özel Güvenlik. Eğitim, Bilim, Toplum Dergisi, 4(13), 60-79.
5.Brauch, H. G. (2008). Güvenliğin yeniden kavramsallaştırılması: Barış, güvenlik, kalkınma ve çevre kavramsal dörtlüsü. Uluslararası İlişkiler Dergisi, 5(18), 1-47.
6.Buzan, B. (2008). Askeri güvenliğin değişen gündemi. Uluslararası İlişkiler/International Relations, 107-123.
7.Kolasi, K. (2014). Eleştirel teori ve güvenlik: Kimin için güvenlik. Uluslararası İlişkilerde Güvenlik Kavramı: Teorik Değerlendirmeler, 121-154.
8.Ağır, B. S. (2015). Güvenlik kavramını yeniden düşünmek: Küreselleşme, kimlik ve değişen güvenlik anlayışı. Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi, 11(22), 97-130.
9.Ramsbotham, O., Miall, H., & Woodhouse, T. (2011). Contemporary conflict resolution. Polity.
10.Wallensteen, P. (2018). Understanding conflict resolution. Sage.
11.Bercovitch, J., & Jackson, R. D. W. (2009). Conflict resolution in the twenty-first century: principles, methods, and approaches. University of Michigan Press.
12.Bercovitch, J. (2019). Social conflicts and third parties: Strategies of conflict resolution. Routledge.
13.Bercovitch, J. (2007). INTERNATIONAL CONFLICTS. Peacemaking in International Conflict: Methods & Techniques, 163.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to the course: scope, objectives, and methodology
Week 2 - Theoretical
Overview of the concept of security in international relations
Week 3 - Theoretical
The emergence and historical development of security studies
Week 4 - Theoretical
Traditional theoretical approaches to security
Week 5 - Theoretical
Alternative and critical approaches to security
Week 6 - Theoretical
The transformation of security: from military security to multidimensional security
Week 7 - Theoretical
Contemporary global security issues
Week 8 - Theoretical
Case studies and general evaluation in the context of security
Week 9 - Theoretical
The concept of conflict and an introduction to conflict studies
Week 10 - Theoretical
Theoretical approaches to conflict
Week 11 - Theoretical
Conflict prevention and conflict management approaches
Week 12 - Theoretical
Conflict resolution and conflict transformation
Week 13 - Theoretical
Methods of conflict resolution
Week 14 - Theoretical
Analysis of contemporary conflicts
Week 15 - Final Exam
Final Exams
Week 16 - Final Exam
Final Exams
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory143384
Assignment115116
Midterm Examination110111
Final Examination115116
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)127
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
OÇ-1
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
4
4
OÇ-2
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
4
4
OÇ-3
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
4
4
OÇ-4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
OÇ-5
5
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
OÇ-6
OÇ-7
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026