PIM74-Terrorism in a Globalising World

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Christina Hellmich
Email: c.hellmich@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This course examines central issues and theoretical dimensions in the study of terrorism in a globalising world, including the complex nature of asymmetrical conflict, the evolution of different terrorism types, the internationalisation of terrorism, the phenomenon of suicide attacks, challenges to counter-terrorism and the ongoing war against terror. Particular emphasis is placed on developing interdisciplinary perspectives and critical approaches to the issues discussed.

Aims:
This course examines central issues and theoretical dimensions in the study of terrorism in a globalising world, including the complex nature of asymmetrical conflict, the evolution of different terrorism types, the internationalisation of terrorism, the phenomenon of suicide attacks, challenges to counter-terrorism and the ongoing war against terror. Particular emphasis is placed on developing interdisciplinary perspectives and critical approaches to the issues discussed.

Assessable learning outcomes:
During this module it is intended that students will develop:

• an understanding of the nature and causes of modern terrorism, and the conceptual and theoretical challenges it poses to the international system;
• an understanding of the diverse aims, motivations and justifications of contemporary terrorist organizations;
• a clear appreciation of the impact and effects that terrorism has had on government, the security forces, the media, the public, and internation al politics;
• a nuanced understanding of the complexity; controversy and conceptual ambiguity involved in the study of terrorism
• an ability to approach theoretical debates and empirical case studies with diverse analytical tools.

• the ability to collate and evaluate arguments from different sources and perspectives
• the ability to formulate and articulate views coherently in written and oral forms

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
10 x 2 hour seminars, essays, book reviews, internet research, regular film screenings

Summative assessment- Examinations:
There is no final examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

2summative essays of 3,000 words including footnotes and references but excluding the bibliography which will each contribute towards 50% of the overall mark. The first of these will be submitted on a rolling basis, two weeks after the in-seminar presentation (relating to the topic of that seminar). The second of these will be submitted at the end of the Spring Term and will be chosen from a list of questions in the handbook. ÌýÌý

Formative assessment methods:
Students giving presentations will receive feedback from the module convenor and via seminar discussion. The seminar discussions provide important opportunities for students to test their views and receive tutor and peer feedback. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the module convenorô€€’s office hours to request further one-to-one feedback on their presentations, seminar contributions, and essay plans

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: