IR3043 Approaches to Counter-Terrorism

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

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

Thurs 12-2pm Thurs 3-5pm

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

Module coordinator

Dr M N Micheni

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

Module Staff

Dr Makena Micheni

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

Module description

This module will explore 'orthodox'/mainstream, critical, and peace studies approaches to counter-terrorism. Each approach to counter-terrorism (CT) considers different priorities, norms, and security strategies. The module highlights that counter-terrorism practices and procedures offer different perspectives and quite possibly different results. Orthodox or mainstream approaches tend to prioritize security, whilst knowing this often collides with human and civil rights as well as civil liberties. The critical terrorism studies approach interrogates the construction and securitization of what is considered ?terrorism.? Finally, peace studies offers a vision of security that, through its emphasis on multilateralism, protects the rule of law and human rights.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

This module will be delivered as a 2-hour/week seminar.

Scheduled learning hours

46

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

Guided independent study hours

254

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the goals, problems, and solutions to CT.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the various perspectives to being a counter-terrorist.
  • Recognize that terrorism and CT are separate study fields and yet also overlap.
  • Understand and recognize the key debates in counter-terrorism before and after 9/11
  • Recognize the role of gender and ethics in terrorism and CT studies.
  • Understand the debate around critical approaches to terrorism and CT.