University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Tues 11am - 1pm Tues 2-4pm

Terrorism is a topic that has fascinated scholars and the public for decades, and has led to fierce debates on some of the most important aspects including labelling: are these ‘terrorists’ or ‘freedom fighters’, and does this matter? Is military force an appropriate response to terrorism? What role should private companies play in preventing the spread of extremism? Should states negotiate with terrorists? These are debates that have spread from policy and academic spheres to the public and have had an immense impact on national and international politics. Through student-led debates, this module will critically examine dominant narratives put forward to these topics, drawing on theories of ‘radicalisation’ and examining concepts of ‘root causes’ of terrorism. Drawing from various methodological and theoretical perspectives applied to the studies of terrorism and violence, this format encourages students to assess various sides of some of the most contentious issues in this field.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR2005 and pass IR2006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar (11 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 288

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%


Re-assessment: Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr N Brooke
Module teaching staff: Dr Nick Brooke
Module coordinator email nstb@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• By the end of this module the students should be able to critically assess dominant narratives on terrorism, counterterrorism and political violence
• By the end of this module the students should be able to explain the importance of language in the discussion of political violence in its various forms.
• By the end of this module the students should be able to explain the different interpretations of the role of the state with regards to terrorism and political violence.
• By the end of this module the students should be able to describe theories that seek to explain the causes of terrorism, and how counter-terrorism should be pursued.
• By the end of this module the students should be able to critically assess how to measure the effectiveness of a terrorist campaign, or a state's response.
• By the end of this module the students should be able to present verbally, or in written form, an argument on one or many perspectives with regards to a key issue in the field of terrorism and political violence.