Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC2112: Introduction to Terrorism Studies

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

This module is an introduction to terrorism studies. We will discuss the major data sources used to empirically examine terrorism, the rates and trends in terrorism cross-nationally, whether groups differ in how they operate, the geopolitical factors that influence terrorism, as well as policy implications.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. Demonstrate knowledge of terrorism: the history, as well as rates and trends over time 2. Demonstrate an understanding of data sources used to study terrorism 3. Assess how rates of terrorism differ among groups and across countries
Discipline-Specific Skills	4. Demonstrate understanding of key concepts pertaining to political and religiously motivated violence 5. Demonstrate understanding of theories and arguments in the field 6. Demonstrate a familiarity with the different methods of research in the field and their implications for relevant policy
Personal and Key Skills	7. Engage in group work to prepare presentations for class discussion 8. Demonstrate knowledge of descriptive statistics using quantitative data and statistical tools 9. Demonstrate written analytical skills by producing an essay on deadline

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following themes:

Definition debate
History of modern terrorism
Collecting data on terrorism
Analyzing terrorism data
Theoretical explanations for terrorism
Radicalization
Terrorist groups
Brief case study: Waves of Al Qaeda
Geopolitical factors
Research methods for the study of terrorism
Terrorism incident databases
Terrorism rates and trends
Counterterrorism implications
ISIS case study: group history, propaganda, violence trajectory

Learning and Teaching

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
44	256	0

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

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	22	22 x 1 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	22	11 x 2 hour tutorials
Guided Independent Study	90	Reading assignments
Guided independent study	48	Preparing for seminar
Guided independent study	118	Preparation for essays

Online Resources

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