One essay of 5,000 words from a selected list of titles [LO 1-7] 60%
One presentation of 2,000 words from a selected list of titles [LO 1,2,5,6] 30% [last assessment to be handed in]
Participation in on-line tasks and discussion [LO 7] 10%

This module provides students with the systematic theoretical and empirical study current terrorist organizations and networks, and the relationship between terrorism and insurgency. The module consists of a series of case-studies of current terrorist organisations and networks with a focus on their organisational structures, main organisational aims, changing strategies and alliances, communication methods, sources of financing and their impact on regional, national and global security orders. The terrorist organisations and networks covered in this module go beyond main actors such as al-Qaeda, Daesh or Boko Haram, and include groups from the Middle East and North Africa, the Arab Peninsula, South America, and sub-Saharan Africa. Each case-study concludes with an analysis of counter-terrorism strategies. Using continuously updated case-study material, the module will apply this analytical knowledge to current events and issues, as well as to the future of terrorism and counter-terrorism.

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.

The module will run over 16 weeks; the latter will include 4 weeks set aside for learners to complete the assessed work.

University Library ebrary resources
Blackboard
Internet Access

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.

Martin, G. (2011) Essentials of Terrorism: Concepts and Controversies, Los Angeles: Sage.

Sageman, M. (2007) Leaderless Jihad: Terror Networks in the Twenty-First Century, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

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.

1. CRITICALLY UNDERSTAND CURRENT TRENDS IN TERRORISM AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH INSURGENCY.
(Knowledge & Understanding; Enquiry)

2. CRITICALLY UNDERSTAND THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND AIMS OF CURRENT TERRORIST GROUPS AND NETWORKS, AS WELL AS OF INSURGENT GROUPS, AND APPLY THIS KNOWLEDGE TO CASE-STUDIES.
(Knowledge & Understanding; Application; Analysis)

3. CRITICALLY UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION METHODS USED BY TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS AND NETWORKS, AND APPLY THIS KNOWLEDGE TO CASE-STUDIES.
(Knowledge & Understanding; Application; Analysis)

4. CRITICALLY ASSESS THE IMPACT OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS AND NETWORKS ON REGIONAL AND GLOBAL SECURITY.
(Application; Analysis; Reflection)

5. CRITICALLY EVALUATE CURRENT KEY EVENTS AND ISSUES IN TERRORISM AND INSURGENCY, USING KNOWLEDGE WHICH MAY BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE DISCIPLINE.
(Enquiry; Problem Solving; Reflection)

6. SYSTEMATICALLY UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE (1-6) ACQUIRED THROUGH ONLINE DISCUSSION, DEBATE, TEXTUAL AND DATA ANALYSIS.
(Communication; Reflection; Problem Solving)