POLITICS 346 : Terrorism

Arts

2023 Semester Two (1235) (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 worldwide in the twenty-first century. In 2021, there were 5,226 recorded attacks across the globe, with most in the Sahel region and Afghanistan. Consequently, it is not an exaggeration to say that we live in a terrorism-saturated world. Terrorism is among the most debated issues amongst politicians, policymakers, academics, the media and the general public. Yet, what terrorism is, and how it is shaped by and shapes politics and society is poorly understood. 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 several questions that 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? What are the main typologies of terrorism? Is the Web terrorists' best friend? These, and other questions are explored in a manner that incorporates insights and approaches from various academic disciplines, including international relations, comparative politics, history, sociology, criminology, psychology and political philosophy. Thus framed, the course provides students with the opportunity to develop specific knowledge of terrorism-related issues and the ability to engage with them critically.

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 30% Individual Coursework
Quizzes 20% Individual Test
Final Exam 50% Individual Examination

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. 

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected for lectures and discussion hours and required for quizzes. Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities, including discussion hours, will not be available as recordings. The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable delivery. This course is unavailable for delivery to students studying remotely outside NZ.

Learning 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.

There is no required textbook for this module. Two types of resources are available for students to prepare for the lectures/discussion each week: ‘Essential resources' and ‘further resources.’  

Essential resources include two peer-reviewed academic materials (journal articles or books) and two non-peer-reviewed materials (reports, media articles, videos and podcasts). These resources are beneficial for students to appreciate the lecture's nuances and engage in the discussion hours. They are also valuable for preparation for assignments. The peer-reviewed readings are available online via the University of Auckland Library and Canvas. Students who have difficulty accessing the online reading material should contact the course coordinator. Links to the non-peer-reviewed material are available in the Course Manual.

Further resources also include peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed materials. These help students gain valuable insights into the topic studied and the discussion questions.  The list of 'further resources' is available in the Course Manual.

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.

Students commented that it would be easier to split the position papers into separate assignments so that they could learn from the first one. This is something I will consider for next year. 

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.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

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 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.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

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 students may be asked to submit 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. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 28/10/2022 06:57 a.m.