PIR-30114 - Module Specification
School of Social, Political and Global Studies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

This module introduces students to key analytic debates regarding the concept of terrorism and the mindsets, motives, strategic logic, tactical considerations, root causes and enabling factors in relation to terrorist actors. In the course of this module, we will eclectically apply variant disciplinary perspectives to the study of terrorism, such as sociology, psychology, theology, media studies, in addition to critical historical and political science approaches. Topics include the history of terrorism, terrorism as war-fighting, terrorism and ethical theory, the role of religion and ideology in the making of terrorism, the symbolic aspects of terrorism, the social bases of terrorism, the process of radicalization (and counter-radicalization), the organizational aspects of terrorist actors, gender and terrorism, media and terrorism, the 'new terrorism', and appropriate means of counter-terrorism and other policy responses. We will examine the different kinds of terrorism, both state terrorism and various forms of vigilante terrorism, such as religiously motivated terrorism, revolutionary terrorism, and suicide terrorism. Historical and contemporary examples of terrorism will be explored, based on case studies from Europe, North Africa, South Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

The module aims to enhance the student's critical understanding of key methodological, conceptual, and policy debates on the sources, characteristics, and objectives of terrorism and related forms of political violence. The module additionally aims to develop students' research-based knowledge of key terrorist organizations, their ideology, history, and organizational structures.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1,2
1,2
1,2
1,2
1,2

Study hours

seminars: 10 x 2-hour seminars (20 hours)
preparation for seminars: 10 x 4 hours (40 hours)
preparation for non-assessed presentation: (10 hours)
preparation for profile presentation: (5 hours)
researching and writing research report: (25 hours)
researching and writing essay: (50 hours)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment