Terror, Security and the State (965M1)
Terror, Security and the State in Global Politics
Module 965M1
Module details for 2017/18.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This course offers an advanced level introduction to terrorism, state terror and security in global political context. Attending to case studies, academic literatures and primary sources the curriculum is divided into two sections. The first, 'Studying Terror: Conceptual Issues', offers a thematic exploration of terrorism and state terror, considering their historical development in modern societies; relation to other forms of organised violence; some of the animating ideas historically associated with the use of terror for political purposes; the phenomenon of `suicide terrorism¿ and the ideas, organisations and practices used by states in their efforts to counter terrorism. The second section, Cases and Contexts, situates terrorism and state terror within the changing context of state power, international and global politics, exploring the historical and contemporary relations between them.
Library
English, R., Terrorism: How to Respond (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009).
Poynting, S and Whyte, D. Counter-terrorism and state political violence (London: Routledge, 2012
O'Kane, R. H. T., Terrorism (London: Pearson, 2007)
Blakeley, R. State Terrorism and Neoliberalism: the North in the South (London: Routledge, 2009).
Guelke, A. Terrorism and Global Disorder: Political Violence in the Contemporary World (London: I. B. Tauris, 2006)
Crenshaw, M. Terrorism in Context (Pennsylvania: Penn State University Press, 1995)
Rapoport, D. Inside Terrorist Organisations (London: Frank Cass 2001)
Sageman, M. Understanding Terror Networks (Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2004)
Chaliand and Blin, The History of Terrorism (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2007)
Wilkinson, P. Terrorism versus Democracy: the Liberal State Response. (London; New York: Routledge, 2006.)
Additional Learning Tasks
] verbal argument and reasoning skills from seminar participation
[ii] skills of written analysis and argument from essay writing
[iii] research skills gained from exploring further reading and independent reading
[iv] reflective skills from critically evaluating competing theories and interpretations of case materials
[v] information technology skills by using word processing and web resources for essay writing
[iv] skills of time management and working under pressure in order to meet essay deadline.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate critical understanding of the ethical, political and analytical issues of definition associated with the terms 'terrorism' and 'state terror'.
Be cognizant of the impact of national, international and global politics in shaping terrorism, state terror and counterterrorism.
Demonstrate knowledge of the policy dilemmas faced and principle methodologies employed by democratic and other states in countering terrorism.
Demonstrate an overview of debate on the causes of terrorism.
Demonstrate knoweldge of the role of media, mass communication and 'public discourse' in terrorism and counterterrorism.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (5000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 3 Wed 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 111111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Mrs Daniella Kiernan
Assess convenor
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Mx Emilia Moscardini-Powers
Assess convenor
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