Terrorism

Course Code: PUBLG009

Course Tutor: TBC

Assessment:  One 3,000 word essay

Credit Value: 15

About this course

This course will familiarize students with historical and theoretical descriptions of the decision made by non-state actors to employ terrorist violence, the nature of specific threats faced globally (both historically and in a contemporary setting), and a brief overview of the range of options available to governments looking to counter this threat. Students will be asked to complete a comprehensive set of readings, to participate actively in seminar discussions, and to complete a long paper assignment. By term’s end, students will be equipped to answer at least the following questions: how can our theoretical understanding of the roots of terrorism improve our ability to counter the threat? What leads people to the point where they feel violence is the only option available to them to attempt to bring about some political change? What kinds of tactics ought democratic societies anticipate will be employed in future terrorist attacks against their national interests? And what kinds of actions are legitimate and successful as means of countering the threat of global terrorism?