PIM74: Terrorism in a Globalising World

Module code: PIM74

Module provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies

Credits: 20

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Amanda Hall, email: amanda.hall@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 23 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module 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, and challenges to counter-terrorism in the shadow of the War on Terror. These ideas will be explored through a range of contemporary and historical case studies. Particular emphasis is placed on developing interdisciplinary perspectives and critical approaches to the issues discussed. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Identify and evaluate a range of theoretical claims about the nature and causes of modern terrorism, including the challenges it posts to the international system and the controversy and conceptual ambiguity involved in the study of terrorism
2. Compare and interpret a range of motivations, ideologies, and modus operandi of modern terrorist activity, recognising and assessing different kinds of violence that are categorised as terrorism, including the ways that tactics and targets interest with motivations and ideologies
3. Describe and analyse the impact and effects that terrorism has had on governments, security forces, the media, the public, and international politics
4. Apply theoretical debates to a range of empirical case studies, synthesising a range of sources and perspectives

Module content

Topics likely to be covered include:

1. Definitions of terrorism
2. Radicalisation, recruitment, and root causes
3. Motivations and typologies
4. Actors and strategies
5. Counter-terrorism and governmental responses

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

11 x 2 hour seminars, essays. 

Study hours

At least 22 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.