Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice

2018/2019

Учебный год

ENG

Обучение ведется на английском языке

5

Кредиты

Кто читает:

Дирекция по онлайн-обучению

Статус:

Курс по выбору

Когда читается:

4-й курс, 3 модуль

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course offers a profound overview of terrorism, giving students a critical survey of terrorism as an historical phenomenon and of ‘terrorism studies’ as a field of academic research. We begin by discussing terrorism as a concept and as a strategy, looking at how persons and groups have used terrorism as a means to ends. Then we broaden our horizons by looking at terrorism through a (social) psychological lens and through critical theory, and examine several contrasting cases. We also examine counter-terrorism, looking at multiple cases and focusing in particular on the United States. Finally, we discuss some normative issues, bringing in perspectives from political philosophy and theory

Learning Objectives

• Students should be able engage critically and knowledgably with the recent and current issues related to the ‘War on Terror’ and to the threat of far-right terrorism, jihadi movements, ‘homegrown’ and foreign threats, radicalisation and extremism, as well as some of the dangers of an overly aggressive or powerful domestic security apparatus

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Defines the term of terrorism
• Understands the history of terrorism
• Understands and identifies terrorist groups
• Identifies the countries where terrorist groups operate
• Defines the term counterterrorism
• Identifies the methods used in counterterrorism

Course Contents

• Welcome & the essence of terrorism
• Researching Terrorism and Counterterrorism
• Assumptions on Terrorism
• Assumptions on Counterterrorism
• Dealing with Terrorism and the Future
• Making Headlines Today - Foreign Fighters

Assessment Elements

• Test
  Tests from on-line classes
• Exam
  For final exam students must submit an essay (450-550 words). Theme will be formulated by the professor. Essay must be written in a scholarly style and include at least 4 references from 4 different class readings. Essay will be assessed on the 10-0 scale.

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (3 module)
  0.35 * Exam + 0.65 * Test

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Gheciu, A. (2008). Securing Civilization? : The EU, NATO and the OSCE in the Post-9/11 World. OUP Oxford.
• Willasey-Wilsey, T. (2016). Illusions of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Edited by Richard English. International Affairs, 92(3), 724–725. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2346.12617

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Kimberley N. Trapp. (2011). State Responsibility for International Terrorism. OUP Oxford.
• Nesser, P. V. (DE-588)104338488X, (DE-576)394752724, aut. (2015). Islamist terrorism in Europe : a history / Petter Nesser.