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Module Specifications

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

Module Title Political Terrorism
Module Code LG536A
School School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 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
INACTIVE - 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. Its structured around two central questions: Is it both possible and useful to distinguish between so-calledold andnew terrorism(s)? Similarly, Is it both possible and useful to distinguish between so-called 'old' terrorism studies and 'new' or 'critical' terrorism studies?

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 currenthot topics, particularly the alleged division betweenold versusnew 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 them with a high degree of analytical precision in written work



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture1No Description
Seminars1No Description
Total Workload: 2

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.
Types of Terrorism.

Causes of Terrorism.
'New' Terrorism vs. 'Old' Terrorism.

Islamism, Al-Qaeda and the GWOT.
Suicide Terrorism.

Terrorism and the Media.
Women and Terrorism.

Terrorism and/in the Middle East.
Governmental Responses and Counter Measures.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentEssay60%n/a
AssignmentDiscussion Forums30%n/a
AssignmentPresentation10%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
MIRMA in International Relations
Timetable this semester: Timetable for LG536A
Date of Last Revision15-OCT-07
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