Critical Perspectives on Terrorism (L4110B)

30 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

This module takes an interdisciplinary approach to investigate critical perspectives on terrorism by drawing upon a range of important theories from across the disciplines of terrorism studies, sociology, criminology, social psychology, and others.

We'll discuss:

• established and emerging primary research in order to explore a range of contemporary issues within the study of terrorism
• questions such as, what does radicalisation mean? And how and why do people become radicalised? 
• the relationships that develop between petty and street criminals and terrorists within the ‘new crime-terror nexus’
• the existential attractions of violent extremism
• the use of the internet by terrorists and how we can begin to disrupt them
• counter-terrorism approaches and policy.

The topics studied will change every year to reflect and keep up with important developments in the field.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 267 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.