Course Catalogue

Justice Studies

The aims of this module are to explore the phenomena of terrorism, including the different historical definitions of terrorism, and the varying motivational factors for terrorist violence. Secondly, to provide an overview of the different theoretical approaches to terrorism studies. Thirdly, to provide an overview of the threat from ‘New Terrorism’ and the ‘War on Terror’.

Outline Syllabus:• Definitional, ideological and academic positioning when studying terrorism, political violence and counter-terrorism • The definition of state terrorism • How non-state terrorism begins, develops and ends. • Al-Qaeda terrorism • ISIS terrorism • Far right terrorism and political violence. • ‘Radicalisation’ or recruitment • Contemporary counter-terrorism policy and practice in the UK • The war on terror

Additional Information:This module examines terrorism and political violence conducted by non state actors. It is equally concerned to analyse counter-terrorism and other responses by the state, the security services and the police. Although it has a prime focus on terrorism by non-state actors it explains the significance of state terror. The major focus is on terrorism organised, orchestrated or inspired by al-Qaeda and ISIS. Close attention is paid to the US led war on terror in all its many guises during the decade that followed the al-Qaeda terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon on 11 September 2001. Far right terrorism and political violence is analysed, so too many other movements engaged in terrorism and political violence. The module engages closely with key texts by leading scholars in terrorism studies, critical terrorism studies and pays special attention to criminological approaches to the subject.