BSS451 Conceptualisations of Terrorism

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2018
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 7 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Monika Gabriela Bartoszewicz, MA, MLitt, PhD (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Lucie Pospíšilová
Supplier department: Division of Security and Strategic Studies – Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Tue 14:00–15:40 AVC
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
One could say that since the tragic event of 9/11 terrorism has ceased to be something extraordinary and became a part of daily political life. This course examines some of the key dimensions and issues of contemporary international terrorism and asks what consequences, if any, terrorism has for contemporary world affairs. This module begins by examining what terrorism is and what distinguishes it from other forms of conflict and warfare in the international system. It identifies the difficulties surrounding the complex nature and identification of both the concept and phenomenon of terrorism. Cases of particular terrorist types (e.g. left-wing, right-wing, ethno-nationalist, religious, etc.) are then explored in detail. A separate class is devoted to gendered conceptualisation of terrorism. Simultaneously, the attention is given to psychological issues in understanding both terrorism and the terrorist – in particular how individuals make decisions at all stages of the process of involvement in terrorism and how to factor this rationale in the security analyses. Finally, during the course we will examine how different conceptualisations of terrorism limit and sometimes even determine counter-terrorist options and policies. Specifically, the effectiveness of political, economic, military and judicial instruments will be examined. Counter-terrorist policies will also be discussed in the context of the civil liberties debate.
Learning outcomes
The course is designed to help students to: 1) Develop a knowledge and understanding what terrorism is; 2) Gain an understanding of the diverse aims, motivations and justifications of contemporary terrorist movements; 3) Differentiate between various forms of modern terrorism.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the course: What is political terrorism? 2. Root causes and proximate causes of terrorism. 3. Evolution of terrorism. 4. Who terrorists are? Radicalisation and counter-radicalisation. 5. Strategies of terrorism. 6. Suicide terrorism. 7. Terrorist financing. 8. Counter-terrorism. 9. Global War on Terror. 10. Terrorism and liberal democracy. 11. Security or freedom? Terrorism in the context of civil liberties and human rights. 12. Feminisation of terrorist violence. 13. Consolidation and summary.
Literature
  • A.K. Cronin and J.M. Ludes (eds.), Attacking Terrorism: Elements of a Grand Strategy. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press.
  • 2. Walter Lacqueur (2003). No End to War: Terrorism in the Twenty First Century. London: Continuum
  • Tore Bjorgo (ed.) Root Causes of Terrorism. London: Routledge.
  • A.P. Schmid and R. Crelinsten (eds.) Western Responses to Terrorism (London: Frank Cass)
  • Extended valid list of literature is in the IS (study materials)
Teaching methods
lectures and seminars
Assessment methods
Students will be required to do the required readings, to attend class sessions, and to write a regular journal accounting for terrorism-related events in world politics. Individual research is going to be presented both in writing and verbally during classes. Group activities are included in this course. Students will receive a final grade for the semester based on the following components: Activity and discussion during class; Individual Class Presentation; Current Event Journal; Current Event Essay; Final exam. Grading: A 60 – 56; B 55-51; C 50 – 46; D 45 – 41; E 40 – 33.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2008, Autumn 2009, Autumn 2010, Autumn 2011, Autumn 2012, Autumn 2013, Autumn 2014, Autumn 2016, Autumn 2017, Autumn 2019.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2018, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2018/BSS451