SC6052 - Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism (2019/20)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2019/20 | ||||||||||
Module title | Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism | ||||||||||
Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
School | School of Social Sciences | ||||||||||
Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2019/20(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The module aims to:
1. examine the debate over of the origin of a variety of forms of ideological, nationalist and religiously motivated violence in the form of 'terrorism'.
2. explore the dimensions of the new ‘terrorist’ threat.
3. examine the contemporary range of counter terrorist agencies and policies in the
national and international context.
Syllabus
Following an introductory session the module will address the following topics:
• Ideological and academic positioning in defining and studying both state and non-state terrorism LO1
• Ideological and national/separatist terror: typologies, motivation and trends LO1
• The ‘new terrorism’ thesis: Islamist extremism and indigenous radicalisation LO3
• Key theoretical approaches to understanding terrorism LO2
• Contemporary counter-terrorism policy and practice in the UK LO1
• The international response to terrorism and its national impact LO2,LO3
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module is taught through lectures, seminars and workshops and includes contribution(s) from one or more guest speakers with relevant practitioner experience. The module draws on a range of resources including those of reputable research bodies and quality media organisations. Key resources are provided on Blackboard including relevant hyperlinks. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own interests and beliefs and also to be mindful that other students may have diametrically opposed views.
Students are expected to spend approximately 7 hours per week in independent research and writing.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Compare and debate key theoretical explanations for why terrorist acts are committed.
2. Describe and critically evaluate aspects of the current terrorist threat to the UK and the national policing and legislative response.
3. Effectively research and write an assignment that identifies differing perspectives and approaches to the study of political violence.
Assessment strategy
Students chose from a selection of 3 topics to write a 3,000 word critical analysis of a specific area of interest within the field of Terrorism Studies
Bibliography
Where possible, the most current version of reading materials is used during the delivery of this module. Comprehensive reading lists are provided to students in their handbooks. Reading Lists will be updated annually.
Textbooks:
Core Texts:
English, R (2011) Terrorism: How to Respond, Oxford University Press.
Atwan, AA (2015) Islamic State: The Digital Calipgate, Saqi Books, London.
Byman, D (2015) Al Qaeda, Islamic State & the Global Jihadist Movement. What everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press.
Other Texts:
Books: Wright, L (2011 ed) The Looming Tower. Al Qaeda's Road to 9/11, Penguin Books.
Horgan J (2006) The Psychology of Terrorism, Routledge.
Journals:
Websites: www.terrorismanalyst.com
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~cstpv/
Electronic Databases:
Social Media Sources
Other
Aldrich, R. (2010) GCHQ: the uncensored story of Britain’s most secret intelligence agency, London: Harper Press
Atran, S. (2006) The Moral Logic and Growth of Suicide Terrorism
http://www.twq.com/06spring/docs/06spring_atran.pdf
Atran, S. (2010) Talking to the Enemy: violent extremism, sacred values and what it means to be human, London: Penguin Group
Braddock, L. & Horgan, J. (2011) Terrorism Studies: a reader, London:Routledge
Bjorgo, T. (ed.) (2005) The Root Causes of Terrorism, London:Routledge
Devji.F. (2001) The Terrorist in Search of Humanity: militant Islam and global politics, Hurst: London
Gellner,E. (1993) Nations and Nationalism, Oxford:Blackwell
Grisset, P. & Mahan, S. (2003) Terrorism in Perspective, California:Sage
Hoffman, B. (2006) Inside Terrorism, New York: Columbia Press
Ormand, D. (2010) Securing the State, London:Hurst and Co.
Pape, R. Dying to Win: the strategic logic of suicide terrorism, New York:Random House
Silke,A. (2011) The Psychology of Counter-Terrorism, New York:Routledge