2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PIED5570M Terrorism

30 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Margherita Beligioioso
Email: M.Beligioioso@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module 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 its possible causes as well as the relationship between media and terrorism as an act of communication. Building on an overview of earlier forms of modern terrorism, we will investigate claims about the emergence of a new, qualitatively different type of terrorism in the form of al-Qaeda, ISIS and similar organizations. The discussion of terrorist tactics such as suicide bombings 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. We will then develop an appreciation of the debates on the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies as well as exploring ‘new’ avenues in terrorism research.

Objectives

This module aims to: (1) Provide a sophisticated understanding of the issue of terrorism and the key academic debates surrounding its definition; (2) Offer a critical appreciation of the relationship between media and terrorism; (3) Develop an 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; (4) Stage an advanced investigation into the motivations behind the use of terrorist violence including tactics involving suicide bombings at the individual and organizational level; (5) Offer an advanced introduction to different counterterrorism responses, allowing for a critical appreciation of the deployment of counterterrorism strategies and an evaluation of their effectiveness; and (6) Offer the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as the appreciation of different interests and the ability to defend a point of view in seminars.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the context and history of terrorism.
2. Reflect critically on 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.
3. Analyse the changing nature of terrorism and consider possible future directions of the phenomenon.
4. Demonstrate understanding of, and make connections between, the theoretical perspectives of Terrorism Studies and contemporary challenges, problems, and issues relating to high profile terrorist tactics.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Communicate ideas accurately, effectively, and persuasively in writing.
2. Identify and analyse relevant information in order to develop and defend informed arguments.
3.Plan and develop an independent piece of written research.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored via weekly seminar discussions as well as formative feedback on an early 1000 word version (submitted mid-term) of the 2,500 word end-of-term Essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Student progress will be monitored via weekly seminar discussions as well as formative feedback on an early 1000 word version (submitted mid-term) of the 2,500 word end-of-term Essay.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/08/2024

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