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PS4100   The Psychology of Terrorism

Academic year(s): 2018-2019

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Available only to students in the second year of the Honours programme

Planned timetable: 9.00 am - 11.00 am Fri

This module presents the psychological underpinnings of terrorist behaviour from a variety of perspectives. The course will assess individual- and group-/structural-level explanations of terrorism, discuss the strategic logic and moral justification of terrorism, and cover some of the psychological processes involved in the radicalisation of individuals and the operation of terrorist groups. The final part of the module will examine the effects of terrorism on constituencies and target groups and the implications of psychological insights for counter-terrorism measures.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass PS2001 and pass PS2002

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 hour lecture plus office hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 130

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%, Re-assessment applies to failed components only

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr N Tausch