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2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
PIED5563M Terrorism
15 creditsClass Size: 40
Module manager: Dr Lars Berger
Email: l.Berger@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
Module replaces
PIED5561M (Terrorism)This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
‘Terrorism’ provides students with a sophisticated understanding of the issue of terrorism and the key challenges academics face in establishing an effective definition. Students will engage in a critical assessment of the relationship between media and terrorism as an act of communication. They will be part of an in-depth investigation into claims about the emergence of a new, qualitatively different type of terrorism in the form of al-Qaeda and similar organizations. The discussion of terrorist tactics such as suicide bombings and WMD attacks will allow us to delve deeper into the political and academic debates surrounding the rationality of terrorism and the threat it does or may pose to developing and developed countries alike.Objectives
This module aims to provide:- A sophisticated understanding of the issue of terrorism and the key academic debates surrounding its definition.
- A critical appreciation of the relationship between media and terrorism.
- Analytical awareness of the changes and continuities in the character of terrorism and thus the ability to contribute to the academic debate over the possible emergence of a ‘new’ form of terrorism.
- An advanced investigation into the motivations behind the use of terrorist violence including tactics involving suicide bombings and weapons of mass destruction at the individual and organizational level.
-The opportunity to develop transferable skills such as the appreciation of different interests and the ability to defend a point of view in the seminars.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate:
- An understanding of the context and history of terrorism;
- A sophisticated understanding of the academic state of the art relating to the study of terrorism including the merits and pitfalls associated with different methodological approaches and theoretical assumptions.
- An ability to appreciate the changing nature of terrorism and consider possible future directions of the phenomenon.
- A nuanced appreciation of various academic arguments relating to the use of high-profile terrorist tactics.
Syllabus
- Terrorism: Definition and Concepts
- Terrorism and the Media
- Al-Qaida as ‘new’ type of terrorism
- Terrorist tactics: Suicide Bombing
- Terrorist tactics: WMD terrorism
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
Seminar | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
Private study hours | 140.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 10.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 |
Private study
In addition to researching and writing one end-of-term essay of 3,000 words, students are required to engage with the required readings for weekly seminars. This means that students need to plan for a weekly reading of roughly four hours to prepare fully for our group discussions in seminar.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored via weekly seminar discussions as well as the week eight essay.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 1 x 3000 Word (submission week 8)) | 100.00 |
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 websiteLast updated: 30/11/2022 14:30:04
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