Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05
Salient, specific facets of historical and contemporary national, international and transnational terrorism and the problems and challenges these different kinds of terrorism pose for national and international counter-terrorism strategies will be scrutinised. The debates on the different causes for terrorism (for instance religion, ethnicity, and ideology) and the different theoretical approaches to explain and understand the roots of terrorism will be examined. Specific facets of terrorism like (female) suicide bombers, ‘lone wolfs’ and ‘home-grown terrorists’, as well as the national and international strategies to counter terrorism, will be critically reviewed.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Terrorism – irrespective whether national, international or transnational – and counter-terrorism are at the top of today’s political agenda. The course will deal with a range of salient, specific facets of historical and contemporary national, international and transnational terrorism and the problems and challenges these different kinds of terrorism pose to national and international counter-terrorism strategies. The course examines the debates on the different causes for terrorism in general (for instance, the role of religion, ethnicity, and ideology) and discusses the different theoretical
approaches to explain and understand the roots of terrorism. It also focuses on specific facets of terrorism like (female) suicide bombers, ‘lone wolfs’ or ‘homegrown terrorists’ and critically reviews national and international strategies to counter terrorism – such as the ‘Global War on Terror’, profiling
or targeted killings. By examining the responses to terrorism of selected states and international organisations, the course discusses in how far these responses are not only effective with respect to countering terrorism but also in how far they have effects on global order and on states, on international institutions and on societies, and in particular on the relationship between the state and its citizens. In that respect, not only contemporary terrorism but also the historical precedents in Western Europe will be discussed.
The format combines five introductory lectures with the simulation of an academic conference in class, including paper presentations, discussants as well as chairing by students. The conference takes place four or five weeks after the last introductory lecture and depending on the number of participants of the course might last one day or one and half day. Students are meant to use the four or five weeks to write their research paper.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
Alternative Assessment
Group report (30%)
Essay 3,500 words (50%)
Peer and self review (20%)
Alternative Resit Assessment
Essay 3,500 words (100%)
There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Remember | ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide. |
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