Terrorism and Counterterrorism

2020/2021

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

3

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Department of Political Science and International Affairs

Course type:

Elective course

When:

4 year, 3 module

Course Syllabus

Abstract

Terrorism has arguably been one of the defining factors of our age. It frequently makes headlines, threatening or attacking governments, private business and ordinary citizens. And in many parts of the world, it has been one of the most important threats to peace, security and stability. But what does this exactly mean? What is the nature of this threat? Who or what is threatened, how, by whom and why? What can be done about it or how can we at least limit the impact of terrorism and make sure that terrorists do not make headlines and manage to scare us? These are just a handful of questions that will be addressed in this course that consists of three parts. First it focuses on the essence of terrorism as an instrument to achieve certain goals, in addition to an exploration of this phenomenon and the difficulties in defining it. The second part provides an overview of the state of the art in (counter) terrorism studies. Since ‘9/11’ terrorism studies have grown exponentially, reflecting the rise in perceived threats. But what has academia come up with? What theories, assumptions and conventional wisdom has it produced that could be of help in understanding terrorism and dealing with it? The most interesting results are examined and compared with empirical evidence with the aim to either stress their importance or to debunk them as myths. The final part looks into the implications and possibilities for policy making. The course ends with a module specifically designed to address one of today's most topical issue: the foreign fighter phenomenon. https://www.coursera.org/learn/terrorism?

Learning Objectives

• To give a student basic knowledge about the modern counterterrorism strategies.

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
• Able to solve professional problems based on synthesis and analysis
• Student is capable of executing applied analysis of the political phenomena and political processes - by using political science methods - and in support of practical decision making process.

Course Contents

• Introduction
• 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
• Summary

Assessment Elements

• Final test
  the test is conducted at the final seminar
• Final Exam
  In written form.
• Online Course Assignments

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (3 module)
  0.5 * Final Exam + 0.2 * Final test + 0.3 * Online Course Assignments

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Barber, B. (2013). Jihad Vs. McWorld : Terrorism’s Challenge to Democracy (Vol. Unabridged). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=745350
• CORNISH, P. (2010). Technology, strategy and counterterrorism. International Affairs, 86(4), 875–888. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2346.2010.00917.x
• 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.