Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Political Terrorism
Module Code	LG536
School	School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: James Fitzgerald Semester 2: James Fitzgerald Autumn: James Fitzgerald
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The events of 9/11 highlighted not only the destructive capacity of international terrorism, but also its broader impact upon the international system. This course examines some of the key dimensions of international terrorism, both historical and contemporary. It is structured around a single central question: Is it both possible and useful to distinguish between so-called 'old' and 'new' terrorism(s)?

Learning Outcomes

1. Comprehend the difficulties surrounding the definition of terrorism, along with terrorisms historical antecedents, identified types, and purported causes
2. Debate Terrorism Studies current'hot' topics, particularly the alleged division between 'old' versus 'new' terrorism
3. Compare and contrast states counterterrorism strategies, particularly those developed/amended post-9/11
4. Analyse the range of academic research that has been conducted in this area and the problems with same
5. Critically engage with descriptions and analyses of terrorism/sub-state political violence appearing in the mass media
6. Address all topics raised within the module with a high degree of analytical precision in written work

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	11	1 Hr weekly
Lecture	11	1 Hr weekly
Directed learning	33	Set reading in preparation for seminar
Directed learning	33	Set reading in preparation for seminar
Seminars	11	1 Hr in-class discussion following lecture and based on assigned readings
Seminars	11	1 Hr in-class discussion following lecture and based on assigned readings
Independent learning	100	Student-selected reading in preparation for Essays (x2)
Independent learning	100	Student-selected reading in preparation for Essays (x2)
Assignment	71	Planning and write-up of Essays (x2)
Assignment	71	Planning and write-up of Essays (x2)
Lecture	18	Film screening and accompanying lectures x6
Lecture	18	Film screening and accompanying lectures x6
Moodle discussion	6	Online discussion re. films (x6)
Moodle discussion	6	Online discussion re. films (x6)
Total Workload: 500

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Defining Terrorism.
There is no universally accepted defintion of terrorism; discussion of academic and policy defintions of terrorism and the rationales behind differing approaches to defining terrorism is therefore vital.

Types of Terrorism.
Treatment of left-wing, right-wing, and jihadi terrorism, etc..

Causes of Terrorism.
Exploration of both top-down or structural causes and bottom-up/individual or psychological explanations, along with so-called 'mid-range' theories.

'New' Terrorism vs. 'Old' Terrorism.
Poses Q. of whether there are quantitative and qualitative differences between so-called 'old' and 'new' terrorism.

Islamism, Al-Qaeda and the GWOT.
Exploration of the emergence, development and ideology of violent jihadis, incl. al-Qaeda.

Suicide Terrorism.
Treatment of the history, mechanisms, and potential causes of suicide terrorism strategies.

Terrorism and the Media.
Exploration of the role of 'old' and 'new' media in so-called 'old' and 'new' terrorism.

Women and Terrorism.
Poses questions re. gendered aspects of terrorism.

Governmental Responses and Counter Measures.
Survey of counterterrorism measures, incl. historically and changes post-9/11.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Essay	Your essay should be no more than 3,000 words in length (not including footnotes and bibliography). It should describe and analyse the history and violence strategy/strategies of one of the following groups with the purpose of identifying whether the chosen group is more appropriately categorised as ‘old’ or ‘new.’ The groups are al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Hamas, Hizbollah, the Real IRA, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Give your essay an appropriate title.	40%	n/a
Essay	Your essay should be no more than 3,000 words in length (not including footnotes and bibliography). It essay should describe and analyse either the media strategy of or the role of women in one of the following groups. The groups are al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Narodnaya Volya, and the Red Army Faction. Give your essay an appropriate title.	40%	n/a
Other	Your contribution to online discussion of the lectures and films screened as part of LG593 will account for the remainder of your final grade. The film screenings will take place every Wednesday for six consecutive weeks (with the exception of Reading Week) in the context of LG593. Each film will be introduced by a guest speaker and a Q&A session will follow the screening of the film. You will be assessed on the quality and quantity of your contribution to the follow-up online discussion and by the connections you make therein between the topics treated in the films and the academic literature.	20%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Hoffman, Bruce: 2006, Inside Terrorism, Revised & Expanded Ed., Columbia University Press, New York,
Nacos, Brigitte: 2006, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, Penguin Academics, New York,
Richardson, Louise: 2007, What Terrorists Want., John Murray, London,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

HMSA

Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)

MDEV

MA in Development

MIR

MA in International Relations

MISC

MA in International Security & Conflict