Module Descriptors
TERRORISM
SOCY60412
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Rainer-Elk Anders
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 60%
  • ONLINE DISCUSSION weighted at 15%
  • PRESENTATION weighted at 25%
Module Details
Resources
A networked computer capable of accessing the internet and running applications such as Blackboard and Adobe Acrobat.
A Word Processor compatible with Microsoft Word.
Additional Assessment Details
An Essay length 4,000 words weighted at 60% [LO 1-5]
Participation in on-line tasks and discussion weighted at 15% [LO 6]
Presentation weighted at 25%

Key Information Set Data:
100% coursework
Indicative Content
This module provides students with the systematic and empirical study of the formation, strategies and capabilities of terrorist groups and networks. The module commences with an analysis of different typologies of terrorism in a historical perspective, to then assess the underlying contexts that explain and facilitate terrorism. Using a case-study approach, terrorist group strategies, ideologies and capabilities are examined. The module concludes with an assessment of the effectiveness of national and international counter-terrorism measures, and an outlook on the future of terrorism in the UK.
Learning Strategies
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) reading packs of selected articles and book chapters and (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 searching, 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.

The module will run over 12 weeks.

Key Information Set Data:
16% scheduled learning and teaching activities
84% guided independent learning
Texts
Amir Rana, M. (2005): The Seeds of Terrorism, London: New Millennium
Bjorgo, T. (ed) (2005) Root Causes of Terrorism: Myths, Realities and Ways Forward, London: Routledge.
Crenshaw, M. (2011) Explaining Terrorism: Causes, Processes and Consequences, New York: Routledge.
Fest, K.A. (2011) America Responds to Terrorism: Conflict Resolution Strategies of Clinton, Bush, and Obama, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Herschinger, E. (2011) Constructing Global Enemies: Hegemony and Identity in International Discourses on Terrorism and Drug Prohibition, New York: Routledge.
Horgan, John and Braddock, Kurt eds. (2012) Terrorism Studies: A Reader, London: Routledge.
Jackson, Richard et al (2011) Terrorism: A Critical Introduction, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Jackson, R. (2005) Writing the War on Terrorism: Language, Politics and Counter-Terrorism, Manchester: University of Manchester Press.
Martin, G. (2011) Essentials of Terrorism: Concepts and Controversies, Los Angeles: Sage.
Pedahzur, A. (ed) (2007) Root Causes of Suicide Terrorism: The Globalization of Martyrdom, New York: Routledge.
Sageman, M. (2007) Leaderless Jihad: Terror Networks in the Twenty-First Century, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Schmid, Alex (2013) The Routledge Handbook of Terrorism Research, Abingdon: Routledge.
Silke, A. (2004) Research on Terrorism: Trends, Achievements and Failures, Abingdon: Routledge.
Webel, C.P. and J.A. Arnaldi (eds) (2011) The Ethics and Efficacy of the Global War on Terrorism: Fighting Terror with Terror, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.