Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3000: Deadly Words: The Language of Political Violence

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover the following topics, broadly divided in two parts (theoretical, then empirical):

  • What is extremist language?
  • Theory: Securitization and framing.
  • Theory: Intergroup language.
  • Theory: Social cognition.
  • Theory: The additional role of numbers and images.
  • Case 1: Salafi-jihadist communications, from Qutb to ISIS.
  • Case 2: Radical ecology, from Kaczynski’s to “ecotage” groups.
  • Case 3: Contemporary far-right communications, especially Breivik and the “counter-jihad” movement.
  • Case 4: Past far-right communications, especially Nazi propaganda.
  • Case 5: Hutu Power communications before and during the Rwanda genocide.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
221280

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities2211 x 2 hour seminars
Guided Independent Study78Reading and preparations for seminars
Guided Independent Study50Research and writing required for completion of course work

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).