1. An understanding of the relationship between terrorism and modernity
2. An ability to critically evaluate and analyse ‘new’ and ‘old’ dimensions of terrorism
3. An ability to research, identify, and analyse the key forces shaping debates in terrorism studies
4. A systematic understanding of the above, acquired through online discussion, debate, and textual and data analysis.

The participation grade encourages engaged and consistent learning. This builds up subject-knowledge as well as enhancing communication and analysis skills. You are expected to post a 500-word answer to the week’s set question. The participation grade is worked out on the number of these you do each week and how well you engage with the posts of others. The word-length for this assessment therefore depends on how much you engage. Three posts are required for a pass. Full marks can be achieved from a good 500 word post each week in addition to regular informed engagement with the posts of others. [Learning Outcomes 1 -4]

1 X 2500 word critical book review presentation (90%). This requires students to read, review and analyze an academic book. It is is designed to develop analysis, enquiry and communication skills (LOs 2,3,4&5).

Terrorism has become the issue of our times and it has been at the heart of a reordering of our society and the world at large. Key to this reordering has been the notion of ‘new terrorism’: that post 9/11 terrorism is of a ‘new’ form. This module provides students with a systematic understanding of terrorism in the twenty first century. It interrogates the ‘new terrorism’ thesis and asks students to consider the extent to which terrorism today is a new phenomenon. To that end, the module identifies the continuities and emergent dimensions of terrorism in the twenty first century. In doing so, the module will analyse the relationship between terrorism and modernity and some of the key issues that are shaping the current discourse on terrorism, such as, pre-emption, insecurity, risk, the politics of fear, human rights, counter-insurgency, and its relationship with capitalism.

Terrorism has become the issue of our times and it has been at the heart of a reordering of our society. Key to this has been the notion of ‘new terrorism’. You will gain a systematic understanding of contemporary terrorism, interrogating the ‘new terrorism’ thesis, and identifying the continuities and emergent dimensions of terrorism in the twenty first century. You will also analyse the relationship between terrorism and modernity and some of the key issues that are shaping the current discourse on terrorism, such as, pre-emption, insecurity, risk, the politics of fear, human rights, counter-insurgency, and its relationship with capitalism.

This module will be based on flexible learning materials delivered using the Blackboard virtual learning environment and selected readings provided in (a) a limited number of course texts (b) e-reading packs of selected articles and book chapters or (c) e-books, e-journal articles and online news coverage.

The Blackboard environment will provide a context for:

Tutors to highlight key issues, problems and debates for discussion.

Learners to undertake a range of structured activities which will involve, for example, problem-solving, literature search, engagement with group discussions, and scenarios.

Tutors to provide guidance and advice.

Learners to access guidance on on-line resources available via the web and the university's e-resources pages.

The readings will provide:

An essential knowledge base for the module which will be available to all learners.

A resource for coursework and all assessed assignments.

A point of departure for the structured activities set for learners.

Learners will be expected to engage fully and critically with the resources and activities that are provided and to engage in detailed discussion with tutors and other learners. Tutors will give online academic support and guidance to learners throughout the lifetime of the module and will respond on a timely basis.

Aidi, H. (2014) Rebel Music-race, empire, and the new Muslim youth culture. Vintage.

Altheide, D. (2017) Terrorism and the politics of fear. 2nd edition. Rowman ad Littlefields.

Blakeley, R. (2009) State Terrorism and Neoliberalism. Routledge.

Castells, M. (1997) The Power of Identity. Wiley-Blackwell

Giddens, A. (1991) Modernity and self-identity – self and society in the late modern age. Polity Press.

Harvey, D. (2005) The New Imperialism. Oxford University Press.

Herman, E.S. and O’Sullivan, G. (1990) The Terrorism Industry: the experts and institutions that shape our view of terror. Pantheon Books.

Jackson, R. (2016) (ed.) Routledge handbook of critical terrorism studies. London: Routledge

LaFree, G. and Freilich, J.D. (2017) The Handbook of the Criminology of Terrorism. Wiley Blackwell.

Sageman, M. (2016) Misunderstanding Terrorism. University of Pennsylvania Press.

University Library
eLibrary Resources
Blackboard
Internet