University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Violent extremism and radicalisation are rapidly growing areas of scholarship, and policy and practice. They are also highly contentious. This module examines the debates around these concepts and provides a comprehensive and critical examination of extremism and radicalisation. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from political science, sociology, psychology, and criminology, the module moves beyond simplistic explanations to explore the multifaceted drivers, processes, and manifestations of extremism.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: No fixed weekly contact hours but during the module there will be 4 hours of pre-recorded content; 2 online tutorials

Scheduled learning hours: 6

Guided independent study hours: 144

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 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
• Articulate a theoretically and/ or empirically supported perspective on key debates on radicalisation and extremism
• Relate extremism to wider socio-cultural and political dynamics