Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3257: Understanding Terrorism and Counterterrorism

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

The overarching objective of the class is for you to develop interdisciplinary and scientific skills critical for understanding the complexity of terrorism as a form of political violence, radicalisation and its relationship with the media. Through a combination of critical discussions, watching documentaries & media analysis, lectures, analysis of current events, and participatory exercises (e.g. games, pub quizzes, group work and presentations), you will develop a core base of knowledge about terrorism.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of terrorism as a form of political violence, radicalisation and counter-terrorism and counter-radicalisation policies.
2. Appreciate historical trends in terrorism and the link between terrorism and various forms of media.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Appreciate the complexities of the topic and the interlinkages between politics, sociology, economics and legal perspectives aimed at providing a holistic understanding of terrorism.
4. Acquire and display a range of conceptual frameworks and theories from various relevant fields.
Personal and Key Skills5. Demonstrate empathic appreciation of policy decisions.
6. Demonstrate awareness of contingency in decision-making processes.
7. Work independently, within a limited timeframe, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.
8. Communicate effectively in speech and writing.
9. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills through tutorial discussions and module assessments.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the internet, online journal databases and other IT resources for the purposes of tutorial and assessment preparation.
11. Demonstrate effective applied writing.