University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: To be confirmed

Violent extremism, radicalisation, and counter-extremism are rapidly growing areas of scholarship, and policy and practice. They are also highly contentious. This module examines the debates around these concepts, and the context they have provided for new forms of counter-extremism and counterterrorism policy. Focusing on the micro-dynamics of violence, the module interrogates critical and empirical perspectives on extremism and radicalisation; from those who see them as ways of explaining mobilisation to violence, to those who argue they are discriminatory and subjective framings used to target particular identity groups. By examining how the ‘problem’ of radicalisation is understood, the module critically analyses how policies to counter-radicalisation and extremism have developed and explores different perspectives on their impact and utility.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR2006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2 hour seminar (11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%


Re-assessment: Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr S V Marsden
Module teaching staff: Dr Sarah Marsden
Module coordinator email sm992@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• critically analyse the concepts of extremism, radicalisation and terrorism
• evaluate different explanations for radicalisation
• explain why radicalisation and extremism are contentious
• debate the utility of different forms of counter-extremism
• critique state and non-state responses to radicalisation
• articulate verbally and in written form a theoretically and/ or empirically supported perspective on key debates on radicalisation, extremism and counter-extremism