2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

HIST5848M The War on Terror

30 creditsClass Size: 10

Module manager: Dr Rachel Utley
Email: r.e.utley@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

11 September 2001 – the day the world changed, according to The Economist. If the means and scale of the 9/11 attacks were unprecedented, international responses in the form of a US-led international military campaign were equally uncharacteristic.This module seeks to consider the nature and definitions of the 'terrorist threat' associated with 9/11, the scope and breadth of responses, the prevalence of military engagements, the salience of non-military measures, the contested conceptualisation of the conflict, criticisms to which it has given rise, and problems of consequence and contagion which have characterised its duration. The module also seeks to place the 'war on terror' since September 2001 in the broader historical contexts of the significance of terrorism in the contemporary world, the trajectory of international politics in the period since the end of the Cold War, and the limits of military force as a means of achieving non-military goals. In doing so it will bring a deeper historical understanding to this controversial contemporary problem, and challenge some of the hyperbole which has previously characterised elements of its presentation.

Objectives

This module aims:
- To facilitate the acquisition of a broad and detailed knowledge of objectives, periods and events within the 'war on terror'
- To examine key conceptual and theoretical interpretations salient to the topic at hand
- To consider a range of criticisms and consequences of the 'war on terror' and to evaluate its outcomes
- To locate the 'war on terror' within broader international historical contexts, and to analyse questions of change over time
- To enable students to develop deeper and wider understanding of issues salient to the 'war on terror', and to convey these findings effectively and appropriately
- To facilitate students' reflection on a contemporary and contentious topic to draw broader conclusions about the historical study of the recent past

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to
- Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the course and breadth of the 'war on terror' since 11 September 2001;
- Understand and engage with a range of conceptual challenges associated with this area of work;
- Think critically about the issues under consideration, their historical interpretations, and their broader contextual evaluation
- Formulate and communicate their own arguments and analyses to a range of audiences through a variety of means.
- Demonstrate a heightened capacity to reflect on the past and its interpretation, and a sharpened awareness of how to approach the study of the recent past

Syllabus

The syllabus will include: the 'war on terror', definitions and concepts; terrorism in the modern world; the rise of Al Qaeda; the significance of 11 September 2001; Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan and beyond; Operation Iraqi Freedom; alliance and coalition operations; the non-military 'war on terror'; critiques, consequences and contagion of the 'war on terror'.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Students are expected to prepare thoroughly for each seminar. This will include
- Reading and analysing set materials
- Broader independent reading
- Engagement with the work of other seminar participants

Students will also research and prepare one assessed presentation and two assessed essays for delivery over the course of the module.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Over the course of the module student progress will be monitored in multiple ways. Informally, student's weekly seminar contributions will allow regular evaluation of progress. In addition, all students will be offered an informal progress meeting at the mid-module point.
Formally, student presentations will also permit progress evaluation. Individual face-to-face and written feedback will allow identification of strengths and/or weaknesses arising. Progress will be additionally monitored with submission of the first assessed essay, on which feedback will be offered in line with School of History procedures.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 2,000-word essay, due by 12 noon Monday of teaching week 7	30.00
Essay	1 x 3,000-word essay, due by 12 noon Monday of exam week 1	50.00
Presentation	Verbal presentation, including 1,000-word source commentary	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 20/04/2017

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