IR3209 State Terror - From the Middle Ages to the Present

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

TBD

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr B Blumenau

Dr B Blumenau
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Bernhard Blumenau

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This seminar offers a comprehensive exploration of state terror's evolution, motivations, and tactics across centuries and continents. Through classroom discussions and presentations, students will examine case studies from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. The seminar aims to provide insights into why leaders resort to this extreme form of political violence, the methods they employ, and the resulting impacts. By studying various instances of state terror, spanning from the Middle Ages but with a focus on the latter half of the 20th century, students will discern recurring patterns and distinctive characteristics across case studies. This enables them to develop an analytical understanding that will allow them to assess contemporary and future occurrences of this phenomenon. The module culminates in a simulation of a UN Committee meeting, where students assume the roles of special UN investigators tasked with examining alleged current cases of state terror.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Written examination - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 hours of seminar (X11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

286

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand the historical development of the concept of state terror and its changing characteristics over time
  • Differentiate between state terror and other forms of political violence
  • Critically examine case studies to discern motivations, mechanisms, and effects
  • Discuss whether and how methods of state terror have been successful in achieving their respective objectives
  • Evaluate the lasting impact of state terror on societies.
  • Critically examine current instances of state terror