PIM74-Terrorism in a Globalising World

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Amanda Hall
Email: amanda.hall@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This course examines central issues and theoretical dimensions in the study of terrorism in a globalising world, including the complex nature of asymmetrical conflict, the evolution of different terrorism types, the internationalisation of terrorism, the phenomenon of suicide attacks, challenges to counter-terrorism and the ongoing war against terror. Particular emphasis is placed on developing interdisciplinary perspectives and critical approaches to the issues discussed.

Aims:

This course examines central issues and theoretical dimensions in the study of terrorism in a globalising world. Specifically, it aims to:

• acquaint students with the complex nature of asymmetrical conflict, the evolution of different terrorism types, and the internationalisation of terrorism;


• expose students to the challenges of understanding and evaluating terrorism across a range of motivations, tactics, and ideologies;


• provide students with the necessary theoretical and methodological tools to understand the impact that terrorism has had on governments, the media, public opinion, and the international order; and


• explain the challenges to counterterrorism and the ongoing “War on Terror.”

Particular emphasis is placed on developing interdisciplinary perspectives and critical approaches to the issues discussed

Assessable learning outcomes:

Upon successful completing this module, students will be able to:

• Identify and evaluate a range of theoretical claims about the nature and causes of modern terrorism, including the challenges it posts to the international system and the controversy and conceptual ambiguity involved in the study of terrorism;


• Compare and interpret a range of motivations, ideologies, and modus operandi of modern terrorist activity;


• Recognise and assess different kinds of violence that are categorised as terrorism, including the ways that tactics and targets interest with motivations and ideologies;


• Describe and analyse the impact and effects that terrorism has had on governments, security forces, the media, the public, and international politics;


• Apply theoretical debates to a range empirical case studies, synthesising a range of sources and perspectives; and


• Formulate and articulate viewscoherently in written work.

Achievement of these aims will be evaluated in the two summative essays for the module.

Additional outcomes:

In addition to these assessed outcomes, students will be able to:

• Formulate and articulate views coherently in seminar presentations and discussions; and


• Work in groups to analyse information, synthesising the discussion back to the seminar group.

Outline content:

1. Introduction


2. Conceptualising Terrorism – Definitions, Theories, and ‘Root Causes’


3. Motivations and Typologies


4. Actors and Strategies (Modus Operandi)


5. ‘Glocal’ Terrorism I: al-Qaeda


6. ‘Glocal’ Terrorism II: Islamic State


7. ‘Lone Wolves’ and Terrorism on the (Far) Right


8. State Terrorism and Political Violence


9. Radicalisation and Counter-radicalisation


10. Terrorism, the Media, and Public Opinion  


11. Governmental Responses and Countermeasures

Global context:

Terrorism is, by its nature, an international phenomenon. This is perhaps more true now, as the world globalises, than at any previous period in history. While the motivation, ideology, and tactics of groups and individuals may change across time and geography, this module draws from a range of international case studies (including a variety of terrorist organisations and both state- and non-state-based responses) to understand this phenomenon as it impacts at both the global and local levels. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

10 x 2 hour seminars, essays.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		20
Guided independent study:		180
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
There is no final examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write two summative essays of 3,000 words each, including footnotes and references but excluding the bibliography. These will each contribute towards 50% of the overall mark. The first of these will be submitted on a rolling basis, three weeks after the in-seminar presentation (relating to the topic of that seminar). The second of these will be submitted at the end of the Spring Term and will be chosen from a list of questions in the module handbook.

Formative assessment methods:
Students giving presentations will receive feedback from the module convenor and via seminar discussion. The seminar discussions provide important opportunities for students to test their views and receive tutor and peer feedback. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the module convenor£s office hours to request further one-to-one feedback on their presentations, seminar contributions, and essay plans

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall module mark

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment is by the original summative assessment method

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: Printing and binding: Students may incur photocopying costs for seminar reading or essay research at 5p per sheet. 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 20 October 2022