This module will acquaint you with the main theoretical debates and empirical findings in the research on terrorism. It covers the topic from both a contemporary and a historical perspective and examines terrorism as a strategic tool of intra-state and transnational warfare. We will draw on insights from political science, sociology, psychology, criminology, economics, and history to shed light on the historical trends in terrorist activity, the role of “extremism” in terrorist violence, the relationship of terrorism to other forms of political violence, the use of one-sided violence in civil conflicts, the system and individual-level roots of terrorism, the role of religion in contemporary transnational terrorism, as well as the effects and effectiveness of this strategy of political violence. We will also examine the policy responses available to political decision makers in the field of security.

Learning goals
By the end of the module, you will have developed an understanding of the individual, organization, state/societal, and transnational causes of terrorism. 
•    You will be able to critically evaluate competing approaches to the analysis of terrorist violence and apply theory to reflect on and develop your own understanding of contemporary counterterrorism debates.
•    You will have familiarized yourself with a number of case studies of historical and contemporary relevance to the study of terrorism.
•    You will have gained the analytical and methodological skills to systematically analyse key issues associated with the causes and consequences of terrorism.
•    You will have developed the necessary skills to participate in group discussions about conceptual issues and theoretical debates related to terrorism and to write essays on the topic.

Delivery
You will be asked to complete a comprehensive set of readings, to participate actively in seminar discussions, and to complete a long paper assignment in the form of a policy brief on a specific organisation that has used terrorist violence, directed at a state government. The lectures will focus on the “bigger picture” of each week’s topic, summarising the relevant theoretical debates and key empirical findings. They will thus reflect, but go beyond the required readings of each week. The seminars serve to deepen your understanding and to practice critical reasoning.