SEMESTER 2, 2014/2015 (A142)

COLLEGE OF LAW, GOVERNMENT & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA
No.

Information on Course

1.

Course Name :

STRATEGIC STUDIES

2.

Course Code :

GFPS 3043

3.

Name(s) of Academic Staff :

4.

Rationale for the inclusion of the course in the programme :

BAKRI MAT

This is one of the program minor courses offered for BIAM students.
5.

Semester/Year Offered

6.

Total Student
Learning Time (SLT)
L = Lecture
T = Tutorial
P = Practical
O = Others

7.

Credit Value : 3

8.

Pre-requisite (if any) :

9.

Objective(s) of Course :

SEM 2 (A142) Session 2014/2015

Face to face

28

10

SL

TLT

71.0

117.0

O
4

NONE

Students are expected to

1.
Acquire knowledge on the basic ideas in strategic studies and principles of military
strategic thinking as elucidated by various Oriental and Western strategic thinkers.
2.

Understand military strategic principles and its application in military and other
areas through reading and selected study cases.

3.

Acquire in-depth thinking on strategic studies from different perspectives such as

diplomacy and economy.

4.

Analyse international issues from the perspective of strategic studies

10. Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are able to
1.
Identify the basic knowledge on strategic studies and principles of military
strategic thinking as elucidated by various Oriental and Western strategic
1

SEMESTER 2, 2014/2015 (A142)

thinkers.(C4, P1, A2)
2.

Demonstrate and understanding of military strategic principles and its application

in military and other areas through reading and selected study cases.(C4, P4, A2)

3.

Explain logically and critically the study of political behaviours in international

relations.(C4, P2, A3)

4.

Apply theories and concepts in analyzing political behaviours and international

issues. (C4, P4, A2)

11. Transferable Skills:

Apply the strategic theories, thoughts and principles in areas such as business, politics,
military and security.
12. Teaching-learning and assessment strategy
Mixed method between teacher-centred and student-centered
13. Synopsis
This paper is one of the courses for students in the International Affairs Management
undergraduate programme. The basic knowledge on strategy introduced in this course will
be based on military strategic thinking as elucidated by the various Oriental and Western
strategic thinkers such as Sun Tzu, Clausewitz and Jomini. The course will also
incorporate the study of selected aspects of military strategy such as the principles of
guerrilla, conventional strategies and nuclear warfare and their applications in other areas
such as politics, diplomacy, strategic management, marketing and corporate politics.
14. Mode of Delivery
Lectures, discussions, presentations and case study.
15. Assessment Methods and Types
Coursework 60%
[Case Study and Presentation: 25%; Individual Essay 15%; Mid Term (Seat in) 15%;
Commitment and Participation 5%]
Final Examination (40%)

SEMESTER 2, 2014/2015 (A142)

16. Mapping of the course/module to the Programme Aims
Course Learning Outcomes
Programme Aims

The aim of this programme is to produce graduates

with leadership qualities capable of applying critical
thinking and communicating their thoughts in various
aspects of the states, non-state actors and international
organizations. In particular, the programme is aimed at
enabling the graduates to participate in international
issues in the areas of diplomacy, strategic studies,
international political economy and international
relations.

17. Mapping of the course/module to the Programme Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes
Programme Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of important concepts

and theories in international affairs management and
from relevant disciplines to global issues.

Proposing to resolve problems theoretically and

practically in the discipline of international studies by
using the latest methods and instruments

Propose, design and solve real world and hypothetical

issues by integrating, analyzing and interpreting data.

Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, the

acquired knowledge in the activities of their respective
organization.

Applying the knowledge and social responsibility in

the process of collective management and decision
making in career

Apply the acquired knowledge professionally and

ethically in their respective career.

Subscribing to lifelong learning in enhancing and

auguring professionalism.

Produce leaders who are accountable in exercising

management and possess entrepreneurial skills

Apply responsible and effective leadership skills in

their decision-making and communication with
members of the community

18. Content outline of the course/module and the SLT per topic
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SEMESTER 2, 2014/2015 (A142)

Topic

Learning
Outcomes

SL

TLT

1.0

Introduction To Strategic
Studies
Theories / Concept/ Terms
What is the relation between
Strategic & Security Studies?
What criticisms are made of
Strategic Studies?
History of Strategic Studies

1,2

2.0

War and Strategy

Study of war
Human nature explanations of
war
Source of power and strategic
calculation
Level of Strategy
Principles of war

1,2,3,4

12

3.0

The Evolution Of Joint Warfare

Land warfare: theory and
practice
Sea power: theory and practice
Air power: theory and practice
Study Cases: German Nazis
Blitzkrieg; Iraq War (Desert
Storm/Iraqi Freedom); Yum
Kippur War

1,2,3,4

12

4.0

Strategic Theories
Strategic Thinkers)

1,2,3,4

12

(Western

Clausewitz
Nepoleon @ Jomini
Alfred Thayer Mahan and
Mackinder
Gulio Douhet

SEMESTER 2, 2014/2015 (A142)

1,4

WMD (Weapon Of Mass

Destruction)
The definition of WMD,
biological, chemical warfare
and nuclear deterrence
Biological
and
chemical
warfare
Nuclear
and
deterrence
strategy
Study Cases: The Cuban
Missile Crisis; South Asian,
East Asian and Middle East
nuclear issues; and Cold War
nuclear confrontation

2,3,4

7.0

Military And Strategic Alliances

Introduction
to
military
strategic alliances
History of military strategic
alliances
The important of alliances
Alliances
and
deterrence
strategy
Study Cases: NATO; Warsaw
Pact;
Shanghai
Treaty
Organization; FPDA; ANZUS;
US-Israel, South Korea and
Japan Alliance.

2,3,4

8.0

Irregular Warfare/
Asymmetrical Warfare:
Insurgency and Terrorism
Irregular
Warfare
and
Asymmetrical
Warfare:
Introduction and overview
Dimension
of
Irregular
Warfare
Insurgency, Guerrilla and

2,3,4

5.0

Strategic Theories
Strategic Thinkers)
Sun Tzu
Mao Zedong

6.0

(Oriental

SEMESTER 2, 2014/2015 (A142)

9.0

Terrorism
Counter-insurgency
and
counter-terrorism
approach
and strategy
Study
Cases:
Malaysian
Insurgency
and
counter
insurgency; ISIS; IRA; Boston
Marathon
Bombing;
US
Global War on Terrorism

Study Case:
Threat to national security
Threat to regional security
(Southeast Asia/Middle East)
Threat to global security

10.0 Conclusion:
The Future of Strategic Studies

1,2,3,4

2,3,4

28

10

Assessment

12

42

84

Face to Face

SL

TLT

Course work

60%

43.5

60

103.5

Final examination

40%

2.5

11.0

13.5

46.0

71.0

117.0

Total Notional Hours

Credit Hours
19.

References
Main References
Art, Robert J. & Waltz, Kenneth N. (Eds.) (2004). The Use of Force. Military Power and
International Poitics. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield
Baylis, J., Wirtz, J.J., Gray, C.S. (2013). Strategy in the Contemporary World: An
Introduction to Strategic Studies. Third Edition. London : Oxford University Press.
Gray, C.S. (2007). War, Peace and International Relations: An Introduction to Strategic
History. London: Routledge
Mahnken, T.G., Maiolo, J.A. (2008). Strategic Studies: A Reader. London: Routledge.
Buzan, B. (2001). Pengenalan Pengajian Strategik (Terj).Bangi: Penerbitan UKM.
Booth, K. (1994). Keyguide to Information Sources in Strategic Studies. Strand: Mansel
Waltz, K. (2001). Man, the State and War. New York: Columbia University Press
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SEMESTER 2, 2014/2015 (A142)

Additional References
Carr, C., (ed.). (2000). The Book of War Sun Tzu the Art of Warfare and Karl von
Clausewitz On War. New York: Modern Library (*)
Clausewitz, C.V. (1989). On War [edited and translated by Michael Howard and Peter
Paret] . New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
Colin S. Gray. (2002). Strategy for Chaos Revolutions in Military Affairs and the
Evidence of History. London: Frank Cass
Collins, A. (2010) Contemporary Security Studies / edited by. 2nd ed.. Oxford: Oxford
University Press..
Collins, J. M. (2002). Military Strategy Principles, Practices, and Historical Perspectives.
Washington, D. C.: Brassey's
Geise, N. P. (2010). National Defense, Security and Strategy. New York: Nova Science
Publishers
Handel, M. I. (2001). Masters of War Classical Strategic Thought. Third Edition.
London: Frank Cass.
Howard, M. (2002). Clausewitz A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University.
Johnson, L.K. (2011). Intelligence Critical Concepts in Military, Strategic and Security
Studies. London: Routledge
Klein, B. S. (1994) Strategic Studies and World Order: The Global Politics of Deterrence.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Loo, B. (2009). Military Transformation and Strategy Revolutions in Military Affairs and
Small States. Abingdon: Routledge
Luvaas, J., (ed.). (2001). Napoleon on the Art of War, New York: Simon and Schuster.
Manabrata Guha. (2011). Reimagining War in the 21st Century from Clausewitz to
Network-Centric Warfare. London: Routledge.
McNelly, M. (2001). Sun Tzu and the Art of Modern Warfare. London : Oxford
University Press.
* The latest version is (2010) which is still unavailable at Sultanah Bahiyah Library.

SEMESTER 2, 2014/2015 (A142)

COURSE GUIDELINES:
Students are kindly advised to:
-

Regularly attend class sessions, and within 15 minutes from beginning.

Prepare beforehand for class sessions by reading text assignments and identifying
topics that needs clarification. Feel free to raise questions to ensure enough
understanding.

Participate actively in class discussions and keep notes on your behavior, choices and
rationales as well as notes on your partners' and opponents' behavior.

Communication skills complement analytical ones, so pay attention to completeness,

clarity, and aspect of written work. Grading is based on sound analysis, and on
effective communication of results.

Hand in assignments on time. Late assignments will be devalued.

Dont play with gadgets during lecture unless required by a lecturer.