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IR5851   Explaining Terrorism: History, Ideology, and Tactics in Political Violence

Academic year(s): 2026-2027

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Available to students studying the online MLitt in Terrorism, Extremism and Political Violence

This module introduces terrorism and political violence through conceptual debates, historical context, and contemporary analysis. Students explore definitions, justifications, and ideological variations across political and cultural settings. It traces the evolution of terrorist movements (from nationalist and revolutionary to religious and digitally networked) while examining radicalisation, disengagement, organisational strategies, and technological innovation. Key tactics such as suicide attacks, online recruitment, and cyber operations are analysed alongside counterterrorism approaches in liberal democracies, balancing effectiveness with ethical and legal constraints. The module provides foundational knowledge for advanced study in terrorism, extremism, and political violence.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: No fixed weekly contact hours but asynchronous teaching.

Scheduled learning hours: 6

Guided independent study hours: 138

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
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

  • Critically evaluate competing definitions of terrorism and distinguish terrorism from other forms of political violence across historical and contemporary contexts.
  • Analyse the historical trajectories, ideological roots, and structural drivers of terrorism, identifying continuities and ruptures across time and regions.
  • Assess terrorist organisations’ strategic choices, tactics, and target selection using empirical case‐study evidence.
  • Synthesise academic literature, primary sources and data to design a coherent research agenda or essay plan on a terrorism-related question.
  • Communicate complex arguments and policy implications clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences via written formats, demonstrating ethical awareness and critical judgment.