Module: CRI6105-20 Terrorism Studies

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Rainer-Elk Anders

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.anders2@bathspa.ac.uk 

1.Brief description and aims of module:

This module provides students with the systematic theoretical and empirical study of terrorism, investigating the histories, causes and effects of terrorism, as well as counter-terrorism measures. The module commences with the analysis of theoretical and ideological approaches towards terrorism, and an investigation of the historical context, causes and effects of old and new terrorism. Issues around crime, deviance, justice, punishment and victimisation will be central in the analysis of theoretical approaches in terrorism studies. With terrorism typically being distinguished from other forms of violence by its motivational component, the module also assesses those political, socio-economic and psychological factors that can help explain radicalisation and terrorism. These motivational factors will be further assessed in the context of a thorough analysis of different types of contemporary terrorist organisations and networks. The focus of this analysis is on the structure, ideologies, strategies and capabilities of different types of terrorist organisations and networks, and how their development can be traced back to specific social, political, economic, technological, legal or spatial contexts. The module also provides an assessment of the effectiveness of national and international counter-terrorism measures, as well as an outlook on the future of terrorism.

2.Outline syllabus:

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

• Historical context, causes and effects of old terrorism

• Old vs. new terrorism

• Classical theoretical approaches towards the study of terrorism

• Critical terrorism studies

• Radicalization theories

• Left-wing terrorism

• Right-wing terrorism

• Ethnonational terrorism

• State terrorism

• Religious terrorism

• Terrorism and insurgency

• Counter-terrorism and counter-terrorism policing

• Future of terrorism

3.Teaching and learning activities:

This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and classroom-based workshops/seminars. Lectures will introduce the framework for each topic including key theories, contemporary issues and debates. This will be examined in more detail through classroom-based discussions and activities.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Essay (2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Case-study (3,000 words)

• % Weighting: 60%