IR5925 Counter-extremism: Ethics, Policy and Practice

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

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

Thursdays 11.00am - 1.00pm

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

Module coordinator

Dr S V Marsden

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

Module Staff

Dr Sarah Marsden

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

Module description

What is the most appropriate response to extremism? How should extremism, as distinct from terrorism, be understood? How might theoretical, empirical and experiential knowledge be applied to the complex real-world problems associated with extremism? Counter-Extremism: Ethics, Policy and Practice explores these questions through collaborative enquiry, problem-based learning and direct engagement with policymakers and practitioners. Amongst other topics, the module examines education's role in counter-extremism; civil society efforts to counter extremist speech; deradicalisation initiatives; and efforts to manage online extremist content. It de-centres state-led responses to explore the role of victims, communities and companies alongside state approaches to extremism, and problematises dominant academic viewpoints by critically examining instrumental, policy-oriented and critical perspectives to develop an understanding of how, why and whether societies should respond to extremism.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 hour seminars (x 9 weeks); 5 hour workshops (x2 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

28

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

275

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Analyse and develop different ways of responding to problems associated with state and community responses to extremism
  • Synthesise and apply different forms of knowledge, including academic and experiential knowledge, to specific problem sets relating to extremism and counter-extremism
  • Explain and evaluate differing theoretical claims which enable the moral evaluation of extremism and counter-extremism
  • Critically analyse the concept of extremism, its different manifestations, and its relationship to terrorism and political violence
  • Co-construct knowledge with peers and professionals through collaborative enquiry and self-directed learning
  • Relate extremism and counter-extremism to wider socio-cultural and political dynamics