University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

This module provides an overview of different forms of non-state terrorism over the past 150 years, with a particular focus on the period following the Second World War. It equips students with the knowledge necessary to understand the breadth and depth of the phenomenon and to become familiar with key episodes of terrorism across different continents and contexts. The module examines the causes, methods, outcomes, and responses to terrorism, emphasising the complex dynamics that lead to political violence. To achieve this, it explores various types of non-state terrorism, including ethnic and nationalist terrorism, social revolutionary movements, religiously inspired terrorism, state-sponsored violence, and international responses.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: There are no fixed weekly contact hours. Students will take part in asynchronous discussions and activities.

Scheduled learning hours: 18

Guided independent study hours: 132

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr B Blumenau
Module teaching staff: Dr Bernhard Blumenau
Module coordinator email bb57@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Understand the historical development of the concept of terrorism and its changing characteristics over time and articulate their understanding in written form through research papers, and simulations
• Critically examine the efforts that states and international organisations have developed to cope with terrorism
• Understand the evolution, ideological underpinnings, targeting rationales, and decline of different types of terrorist movements
• Familiarise themselves with present forms of terrorism and possible measures to cope with them as well as develop their skills to concisely present key information on a specific contemporary terrorist problem and draft policy-relevant measures to counter it
• Develop their academic research skills, including the identification of relevant scholarship and of useful texts and information through the internet, as well as published archival documents.