IR5901 Fundamental Issues and Structures of Terrorism

Academic year

2025 to 2026 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 11

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

Fri 11am - 1pm

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

Module coordinator

Dr S V Marsden

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

Module Staff

Dr S Marsden

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 present core conceptual issues in the study of terrorism and political violence, examining the causes of terrorism, the processes involved in engaging in violence, and its consequences. Each two-hour seminar will draw on case studies and contemporary research to explore a different topic through presentations and group discussion. In doing so we will trace the evolution of terrorism as a field of study; explore why terrorism is so difficult to define; look at the explanations for terrorism; consider different organisational structures that produce violence; reflect on the role of the media; and examine why terrorism ends and whether it works.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour seminar per week + advertised office hours, plus online teaching materials.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Offer a definition of terrorism and defend it
  • Know the difference between terrorism and other forms of political violence
  • Be able to discuss why terrorism is such a contested concept
  • Argue either in favour or against continuing efforts to find a shared definition of what constitutes terrorism and what not