Introduction to Terrorism Studies
Module title | Introduction to Terrorism Studies |
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Module code | SOC3092 |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Professor Katharine Boyd (Convenor) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 25 |
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Module description
This Q-Step module will expose you to the controversial topic of terrorism and how research is conducted on this subject. You will learn about the history of political and religiously motivated violence, the subjective and debated definition of terrorism, why people radicalise towards violence, the nature of propaganda, as well as rates and trends of terrorism. This module is suitable for specialist and non-specialist students and has no prerequisite modules.
Module aims - intentions of the module
It is important to be a discerning citizen and recognize how research can inform policy making decisions. The aim of the module is to inspire a genuine engagement with the research on terrorism by exposing you to how the subject matter is discussed and studied.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate a detailed knowledge of terrorism: the history, as well as rates and trends over time;
- 2. demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how terrorism is studied;
- 3. critically assess theories of terrorism and radicalisation;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. demonstrate in-depth understanding of key concepts pertaining to political and religiously motivated violence;
- 5. demonstrate a critical understanding of theories and arguments in the field;
- 6. demonstrate a strong understanding of how terrorism is researched;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. engage in group work to prepare presentations for class discussion;
- 8. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of theoretical arguments and the ability to articulate and critically evaluate them; and
- 9. demonstrate written analytical skills by producing an essay on deadline.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following themes:
- History of terrorism and the definition debate
- Theoretical explanations for terrorism
- Radicalization
- Terrorist groups
- Brief case study: Waves of Al Qaeda
- Geopolitical factors
- Research methods for the study of terrorism
- Terrorism research approaches
- Terrorism rates and trends
- Counterterrorism implications
- Conclusion: Relationship between terrorist group and geopolitical factors
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning and teaching activity | 11 | Weekly 1 hour lectures where we go over topics and materials |
Scheduled Learning and teaching activity | 11 | 11 x 1 hour linked tutorials involving presentations and discussions; revision/prep for exam session |
Guided independent study | 6 | Reading and essay preparation |
Guided independent study | 122 | Study tasks directed by the module leader: e.g. 42 hours for class preparation, 25 hours for essay, 15 hours for presentation, 40 hours for the final exam |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Presentations in pairs | 1 for 10 minutes | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 | Verbal, written |
3 lab assignments (Tables, graphs, analysis, and write up) | 1 page A4 each | 2, 3, 6, 8 | Written, group discussion |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Essay | 50 | 2000 words | 5, 8, 9 | Written feedback |
Examination | 50 | 1 hour | 1-6 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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Essay (2000 words) | Essay (2000 words) | 5, 8, 9 | Referral/Deferral period |
Examination (1 hour) | Examination (1 hour) | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Victor Asal and J. Wilkenfeld (2013). Ethnic conflict: An organizational perspective. Penn State Journal of Law and International Affairs 2(1): 91-102.
- Steven M. Chermak, Joshua D. Freilich, William Parkin, and James P. Lynch. (2012). American terrorism and extremist crime data sources and selectivity bias: An investigation focusing on homicide events committed by far-right extremists. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 28(1): 191-218.
- Brian Forst. (2008). Terrorism, Crime, and Public Policy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Gary LaFree and Laura Dugan (2007). Introducing the Global Terrorism Database. Terrorism and Political Violence. 19:181-204.
- Clark McCauley and Sophia Moskalenco. (2011). Friction: How radicalization happens to them and us. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Robert Pape. (2003). The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism. American Political Science Review 97(3): 343-361.
- Marc Sageman. (2008). Leaderless Jihad. University of Pennsylvania Press
- Andrew Silke. (2004). Research on Terrorism: Trends, Achievements and Failures. Routledge Press.
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
Module pre-requisites | None |
Module co-requisites | None |
NQF level (module) | 6 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 09/01/2014 |
Last revision date | 02/08/2023 |