Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2010 - 2011
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Module Aims | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
To develop an understanding of the practice of terrorism. The events of 9/11 highlighted not only the destructive capacity of international terrorism, but also its broader impact upon the international system. This course examines some of the key dimensions of international terrorism, both historical and contemporary. It begins with an introduction to the definitional problems associated with terrorism as a concept and an exploration of the diffrent types of terrorism that have been identified internationally. It then offers an analysis of some of the purported causes of terrorism, while also exploring the contention that over time there has developed a so-called 'new' terrorism, which may be distinguished from the 'old'. Al-Qaeda and associated organizations are said to exemplify this 'new' terrorism so these are explored in the final class before Reading Week. The second half of the course is concerned with some of the major issues in contemporary terrorism studies. To that end, it begins with an exploration of suicide terrorism to be followed by introductions to the issues raised by the intersection of terrorism and the media, and womens involvement in terrorism. One seminar will also be devoted to an examination of the use of terrorism in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The course concludes with a description and analysis of states counterterrorism measures, with a particular emphasis on new measures introduced by the US, UK, and EU post 9/11. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Students who fulfill the module requirements will acquire: - a knowledge of the historical antecedents and causes of modern terrorism - an understanding of the diverse aims, motivations, and justifications - a clear appreciation of the impact and effects that terrorism has had - an understanding of the roles of states in counterterrorism - a feel for the range of academic research that has been conducted in this area and the problems with same. Students will also develop their capacity to present these discussions in an articulate fashion during seminars, and with a high degree of analytical precision in written work. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Assume that a 10 credit module load represents approximately 150 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indicative Syllabus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduction Defining Terrorism Types of Terrorism Causes of Terrorism ''New'' Terrorism vs. ''Old'' Terrorism Islamism, Al-Qaeda and the GWOT Suicide Terrorism Terrorism and the Media Women and Terrorism Terrorism and/in the Middle East Governmental Responses and Counter Measures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Course Texts
Selection of Required Readings
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Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MDEV | MA in Development | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MIR | MA in International Relations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MISC | MA in International Security & Conflict | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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