Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the issue of terrorism and a comprehension of some of the problems for democratic states in Europe, as well as the European Union in countering this threat. The Treaty on European Union stipulates that one of the key objectives of the European Union (EU) is to provide citizens with a high level of safety within an area of freedom, security and justice. Yet, when it comes to the measures taken to combat terrorism following the September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks in the United States (US), as well as subsequent attacks on Madrid, London, Paris, Brussels, Barcelona, Berlin and others, has Europe lived up to this promise thus far? The course will provide students with the analytical tools to systematically assess the phenomenon of terrorism, its increasingly international character, and varying national and European responses to the problem. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. To provide students with an understanding of the issue of terrorism and a comprehension of some of the problems for democratic states in Europe, as well as the European Union in responding to this threat. 2. To provide students with the analytical tools to systematically assess the phenomenon of terrorism, its increasingly international character, and varying national and European responses to the problem. 3. To provide a familiarity with the key debates among terrorism and counter-terrorism studies scholars concerning the nature of the threat, and the policy response to it. 4. To provide an appreciation of the range of political and institutional influences that have shaped the counter-terrorism policy development. 5. To provide knowledge and understanding of the development and functioning of EU counter-terrorism, its institutions, decision-making, and negotiations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in Europe This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the issue of terrorism and a comprehension of some of the problems for democratic states in Europe, as well as the European Union in responding to this threat. The Treaty on European Union stipulates that one of the key objectives of the European Union (EU) is to provide citizens with a high level of safety within an area of freedom, security and justice. Yet, when it comes to the measures taken to combat terrorism following the September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks in the United States (US), has the EU lived up to this promise thus far? The course will provide students with the analytical tools to systematically assess the phenomenon of terrorism, its increasingly international character, and varying national and European responses to the problem. Indicative topics include: • Definitions, Typology, Prehistory • Radicalisation and causes for terrorism • Religious based terrorism and Al-Qaeda • Counter-terrorism in the EU’s Area of Freedom, Security and Justice • European Union multilateral terrorism cooperation with the US and the world • Terrorism in European Foreign Policy • The US Experience and EU-US transatlantic cooperation on counter-terrorism • What role for European military forces and NATO in the War on Terror? • The Future of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Case studies of terrorist groups, such as: • Northern Ireland • Red-brigades, Italy • Baader Meinhoff, Germany • ETA, Spain • USA • Russia and Chechnya • Al-Qaeda | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||