University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: To be confirmed

This module explores the challenges of understanding terrorist violence using a variety of theoretical lenses to illuminate fundamental issues. The nature of human inhibitions to killing is examined, as is the range of circumstances that enable such inhibitions to be overcome so that lethal violence can be justified, compelling and a source of satisfaction, and even pleasure. The module examines terrorism in the context of the broad spectrum of political violence drawing not only on the literature of terrorism studies but also on scholarship from subject areas including war studies, psychology, sociology, anthropology and history. The focus is more on individuals' aims, aspirations, and ways of imagining themselves and their actions, rather than organisational and instrumental purposes. Theory will be related to case study material. Resulting insights are used to adduce principles for state responses to political violence.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: One 1-hour lecture (x11 weeks) and one 1-hour tutorial (x9 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 265

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

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

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr P M Currie
Module teaching staff: Dr M Currie