SC6052 - Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism | ||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The aim of the module is to provide you a thorough understanding of terrorism, political violence and counter-terrorism strategies. It will look at state and non-state actors who have been involved in acts of 'terrorism'. The module will enable you to re-think the concept of 'terrorism'. By doing so, it will look at and investigate the origin of what we now consider to be 'terrorism'. It will also investigate the role that state terror plays with regards to actions conducted against another state or acts of terrorism which a state conducts against its own citizens. In the end, it will provide you a critical analysis of counter-terrorism and other responses by the state. The module will engage you with key texts by leading scholars in terrorism studies, critical terrorism studies and special attention to criminological approaches to the subject.
On this module you will:
• Describe and analyse the phenomenon of terrorism and political violence
• Describe and analyse the phenomenon of state terrorism
• Examine counter-terrorism and other state responses to terrorism
• Analyse terrorism inspired or directed by al-Qaeda and Islamic State
• Analyse terrorism and political violence inspired or directed by a variety of movements
Prior learning requirements
Available for Study Abroad? YES
Syllabus
The syllabus will include coverage of topics such as those listed below.
● Introduction to the concepts, definitions and problems: What is ‘terrorism’? this session explores key concepts of ‘terrorism’. (LO1)
● History of terrorism: this session explores the historical account of terrorism. (LO2)
● Terrorism and Legislation: this session explores the various efforts to define terrorism in various conventions and law. (LO1, LO4)
● State terrorism: this session critically evaluates state-sponsored terrorism. (LO3)
● War on Terror - Counter-Terrorism strategies and policies: this session explores the focus of UK counter terrorism policy and practical counter terror measures. (LO4)
● Contemporary examples: these sessions explore different examples of terrorism such as Islamic Terrorism, Far Right Terrorism and specific country examples. (LO3,4)
● Problematising gender and terrorism: this session explores the link between gender and terrorism. (LO1,2,4)
● Theoretical understanding of terrorism and challenges researching terrorism: this session examines key theoretical explanations for why terrorist acts are committed and the challenges researching terrorism (LO1,2)
● Assessment workshop: assists you with expressing and defending, orally and in writing, and evidence-based arguments (including Harvard referencing) (LO 1,2,3,4).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Each week, this module will be delivered through a one-hour lecture, and a two hour seminar or workshop. The reading and workshops will be supported by weblearn and you will be encouraged to engage in debate, presentations and web materials as well as attending lectures and seminars.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Describe and analyse the ideologies, strategies and tactics of state terrorism
2. Produce a case study of non-state or state terrorism
3. Describe and analyse the key strategy and legislative aspects of counter-terrorism
4. Evaluate the legitimacy and effectiveness of counter terrorism policies, strategies and operations