POLITICS 346 : Terrorism

Arts

2020 Semester Two (1205) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Terrorism is a major issue of global concern. In this course, students will learn the definition, history, causes and dynamics of terrorism. They will examine why terrorist organisations emerge, their goals and the causes of their demise. Students also examine the causes of radicalisation of individual terrorists and how governments can counter violent extremism.

Course Overview

Concerns over terrorism have become a part of life throughout the world in the twenty-first century. In 2018, for example, eight countries in Western Europe recorded at least one death from terrorism, while Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, and Pakistan recorded hundreds of attacks and deaths. In 2019, terror arrived in New Zealand. As a consequence, and regardless of the real or perceived level of threat, it is not an exaggeration to say that we live in a terrorism-saturated world. Terrorism is one of the most-debated issues amongst politicians, policymakers, academics, the media and the general public. Yet, what terrorism is, how it is shaped by, and in turns shapes, politics and society is poorly understood and discussions often fall prey to unfounded assumptions. This course aims to mediate this lack of knowledge.

This course is not about identifying the ‘bad guys’. This course is an introductory study of the politics of terrorism. The course is structured around a number of questions, which include: What terrorism and New Terrorism are? Who becomes a terrorist and why? What is the role of women in terrorism? Can states be terrorists? How are terrorist groups funded? Which are the main terrorist movements? Is the internet terrorists’ best friend? These questions are explored in a manner that incorporates insights and approaches from a variety of academic disciplines, including international relations, comparative politics, history, sociology, and psychology. Thus framed, the course provides students with the opportunity to develop specific knowledge of terrorism-related issues and the ability to critically engage with them.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations, or POLITICS 106 and 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Arts

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Understand and critically evaluate issues related to the politics of terrorism (Capability 1.1)
  2. Able to construct reasoned, reflexive arguments on the relationship between politics and terrorism (Capability 2.3)
  3. Able to present ideas clearly, coherently and persuasively in a variety of forms and to different audiences (Capability 4.2)
  4. Able to apply the accrued knowledge in academic and industry-relevant settings (Capability 5.2)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Position Papers 40% Individual Coursework
Quizzes 20% Individual Test
Final Exam 40% Individual Examination

Learning Resources

There is no required textbook for this module. 

Three types of resources are available for students to prepare for the lectures/discussion each week: ‘Essential readings,’ ‘further readings’ and ‘non-peered review resources.’ 

Essential readings are available online via the University of Auckland Library and via Canvas.  

Further readings are listed in the POL346 Course Guide and available online via the University of Auckland Library.    
Non-peer reviewed resources comprise of media articles, policy reports, podcasts, videos and more.  A list of useful non-peer-reviewed resources is provided in the POL346 Course Guide with links to the original source. 

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in. 

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Well-being always comes first
We all go through tough times during the semester, or see our friends struggling. There is lots of help out there - for more information, look at this Canvas page (https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/33894), which has links to various support services in the University and the wider community.

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 25/06/2020 12:49 p.m.