University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Tuesday 10am - 12 noon and 2pm - 4pm

This module will introduce students to the main concerns raised by Critical Terrorism Studies. Working within the Critical Security Studies tradition, Critical Terrorism Studies argue that mainstream Terrorism Studies has not been open to new challenges and perspectives. As such, Terrorism Studies problematically reifies particular sites and structures of power. Because of this perspective, Critical Terrorism Studies poses several challenges to Terrorism Studies about how terrorism is defined and limited to particular actors. Thus, this module will explore these challenges, which include state terrorism, the discourse of radicalization, and the role of emotion before turning to the intended outcome of Critical Terrorism Studies scholarship: emancipatory practices.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: one 2h seminar (x11 weeks), and 2 consultation (office) hours (x12 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 273

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%


Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr C Zhang
Module teaching staff: Dr Chi Zhang
Module coordinator email cz38@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the goals, problems, and emancipatory solutions within critical terrorism studies
• Engage with the differing 'narrative' approaches to the study of security and terrorism
• Understand and recognize the key debates in (critical) terrorism, including subjectivity, radicalization, moral injury, and emancipation