Bachelor
2021/2022
Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Type:
Elective course (Political Science and World Politics)
Area of studies:
Political Science
When:
4 year, 3 module
Mode of studies:
distance learning
Online hours:
22
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Instructors:
Nikita Zubarev
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
16
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Terrorism has arguably been one of the defining factors of our age. It frequently makes headlines, threatening or attacking governments, private business and ordinary citizens. And in many parts of the world, it has been one of the most important threats to peace, security and stability. But what does this exactly mean? What is the nature of this threat? Who or what is threatened, how, by whom and why? What can be done about it or how can we at least limit the impact of terrorism and make sure that terrorists do not make headlines and manage to scare us? These are just a handful of questions that will be addressed in this course that consists of three parts. First it focuses on the essence of terrorism as an instrument to achieve certain goals, in addition to an exploration of this phenomenon and the difficulties in defining it. The second part provides an overview of the state of the art in (counter) terrorism studies. Since ‘9/11’ terrorism studies have grown exponentially, reflecting the rise in perceived threats. But what has academia come up with? What theories, assumptions and conventional wisdom has it produced that could be of help in understanding terrorism and dealing with it? The most interesting results are examined and compared with empirical evidence with the aim to either stress their importance or to debunk them as myths. The final part looks into the implications and possibilities for policy making. The course ends with a module specifically designed to address one of today's most topical issue: the foreign fighter phenomenon. https://www.coursera.org/learn/terrorism?
Learning Objectives
- Provide students with basic knowledge about modern counterterrorism strategies and the state of terrorism studies today.
- To give a student basic knowledge about the modern counterterrorism strategies.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Able to solve professional problems based on synthesis and analysis
- Defines the term counterterrorism
- Defines the term of terrorism
- Identifies the countries where terrorist groups operate
- Identifies the methods used in counterterrorism
- Student is capable of executing applied analysis of the political phenomena and political processes - by using political science methods - and in support of practical decision making process.
- Understands and identifies terrorist groups
- Understands the history of terrorism
Course Contents
- Introduction
- Welcome & the essence of terrorism
- Researching Terrorism and Counterterrorism
- Assumptions on Terrorism
- Assumptions on Counterterrorism
- Dealing with Terrorism and the Future
- Making Headlines Today - Foreign Fighters
- Summary
Assessment Elements
- In-class Participation• Meaningful engagement with the mandatory readings demonstrated • Own critical approach to the reading and lecture materials elucidated • By bringing in concepts and empirical examples from other fields of study, the student demonstrates a complex understanding of the introduced concepts • Contribution to the class dynamics: by reflecting on earlier points and comments, students can again demonstrate a practical understanding of the discussed concepts, as well as their abilities to understand the dynamics of ongoing discussions. Conversely, redundant and self-serving comments will lower the participation grade. • In case someone finds participation in discussions challenging, there is also an opportunity to send questions and comments related to the mandatory readings before the respective class sessions.
- Online Course Assignments
Interim Assessment
- 2021/2022 3rd module0.4 * In-class Participation + 0.6 * Online Course Assignments
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Barber, B. (2013). Jihad Vs. McWorld : Terrorism’s Challenge to Democracy (Vol. Unabridged). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=745350
- CORNISH, P. (2010). Technology, strategy and counterterrorism. International Affairs, 86(4), 875–888. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2346.2010.00917.x
- Gheciu, A. (2008). Securing Civilization? : The EU, NATO and the OSCE in the Post-9/11 World. OUP Oxford.
- Willasey-Wilsey, T. (2016). Illusions of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Edited by Richard English. International Affairs, 92(3), 724–725. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2346.12617
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Kimberley N. Trapp. (2011). State Responsibility for International Terrorism. OUP Oxford.
- Nesser, P. V. (DE-588)104338488X, (DE-576)394752724, aut. (2015). Islamist terrorism in Europe : a history / Petter Nesser.