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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2021 - 2022

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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.

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.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Seminars24classroom seminars
Independent Study226reading preparation and assessment preparation
Total Workload: 250

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

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

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Kaunert, Christian: 2010, European Internal Security – Towards Supranational Governance in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, 1, all, Manchester University Press, Manchester,
  • Kaunert, Christian and Kamil Zwolski: 2013, The EU as a Global Security Actor – a comprehensive analysis beyond CFSP and JHA, 1, all, Palgrave, Basingstoke,
  • Kaunert, Christian and Sarah Leonard: 2013, European Security, Terrorism, and Intelligence, 1, all, Palgrave, Basingstoke,
  • Ilbiz, Ethem and Christian Kaunert: 2021, EU, Turkey and Counter-Terrorism Fighting the PKK and ISIS, 1, all, Edward Elgar, Cheltenham,
  • Leonard, Sarah and Christian Kaunert: 2019, Refugees, Security and the European Union, 1, all, Routledge, London,
Other Resources

None
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