University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 5

ECTS credits : 2

Level : SCQF level 8

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: This module is not open to students matriculated on a University degree programme.

Planned timetable: N/A

This short course introduces the students to debates around the logic of terrorism, the causes and history of terrorist violence and the range of responses adopted by democratic states. The course engages in depth with key conceptual issues on the role of ideology, the decisions that shape targeting and the form that violence takes, and how the effectiveness of terrorism is measured and understood. In doing so, it dives into the historical record, discusses case studies in depth and focuses on specific forms of political violence like suicide terrorism.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: N/A

Scheduled learning hours: 0

Guided independent study hours: 51

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr D Muro
Module teaching staff: Dr Diego Muro
Module coordinator email diego.muro@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Discuss the explanatory variables that account for the onset of political violence and/or terrorism.
• Describe how terror has been used historically by both state and non-state actor.
• Analyse how ideological frames allow processes of radicalisation and shape targeting strategies.
• Explain how democracies respond to this threat.
• Evaluate whether terrorism is a tactic that has delivered the results that the terrorists aimed for.