Sociology and Criminology

Critical Perspectives on Terrorism

Module code: L4110B
Level 6
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

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.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach, through the use of theoretical concepts and empirical evidence, to examine the concept of terrorism, and how and why some people become terrorists.
• Develop and sustain theoretical and conceptual arguments pertaining to critical perspectives on terrorism.
• Demonstrate a detail knowledge and systematic understanding of relevant contemporary and established research in this area, including an appraisal of its limits, ambiguities, and uncertainties.
• Recognise, and be able to discuss key arguments around the definitional complexities of key terms covered in the module, such as 'terrorism', 'extremism', and 'radicalisation'.
• Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse policy documents in relation to the themes covered in the module, where empirical evidence is used to substantiate arguments.