NATO in the 20th and 21st Century

Course NameNATO in the 20th and 21st Century
Course CodeIRS371 / IRS671
DescriptionThe main aim of this course is to provide students with a grounding with regards to the roles, functions, history and operation of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since its establishment till present day. This course is offered as the first and only joint course of AAU and NATO Allied Command Transformation Innovation Hub. The arrangement of the course is such that almost all classes are divided into two halves, where the first half is taught by a lecturer at the AAU campus and the second half via video conference call with experts directly from NATO. Students will have a great opportunity to learn not only theory, but also discuss real practical outcomes of various concepts with NATO experts.
Learning OutcomesUpon completion of this course, students will have:
– Understood the past and current roles and functions of NATO;
– Analyzed the historical, political and security dynamics that NATO forms and is formed by;
– Grasped the complexity of the organization and the context in which it operates;
– Developed an appreciation of the key challenges NATO faces;
– Gained an appreciation of general trends that is tempered with an understanding of the specific features of individual countries and NATO Member States;
– Understood the relationship between the theory and operational reality of NATO operations;
– Transferable and soft skills:
– Perfect their critical thinking, comparative and analytical skills;
– Enhance their presenting capabilities;
– Improve their research and debating skills.
SchoolSchool of International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD)
LevelBachelor / Master
Number of credits (US / ECTS)3 US / 6 ECTS