IR5901 Fundamental Issues and Structures of Terrorism

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lect: Mondays 11am - 12.00noon Tut: Tuesdays 1.00pm - 2.00pm, 2.00pm-3.00pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr F P Lehr

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Various

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module is designed to present core conceptual issues. These issues will include: Terrorism as a field of study - emergence and evolution; Definitional, conceptual, typological and theoretical issues; History of Terrorism; Ideology, Religion and Terrorism; Terrorist Organisations and Campaigns - stand-alone terrorism and terrorism combined with guerrilla warfare and political party work; Terrorism and Democracy - legal and human rights issues; Terrorism and Repression - counter-insurgency and counter-terror; Terrorism and Domestic and International Conflict - asymmetric warfare and humanitarian issues; Terrorism and Crime - linkage and law enforcement issues; Terrorism and Communication - propaganda and psychological warfare. We will cover three structures in relation to these concepts. Inside terrorist organisations and their support groups: Profiles of the most active terrorist groups - case studies. The structure of the international system and international counter-terrorist measures. Victims of terrorism and their national and transnational support organisations.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1-hour lecture, 1-hour tutorial per week + advertised office hours, plus online teaching materials.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Offer a definition of terrorism and defend it
  • Know the difference between terrorism and other forms of political violence
  • Be able to discuss why terrorism is such a contested concept
  • Argue either in favour or against continuing efforts to find a shared definition of what constitutes terrorism and what not