PTC6072 - Counter-Terrorism and the State

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a knowledge of key historical developments in state responses to terrorism since the 1960s.
Critically review the effectiveness of a range of policies in response to terrorism.
Explain the impact on state policy of competing representations of terrorism, such as 'common sense' notions, and governmental strategies.
Critically evaluate future requirements of the state to protect its citizens.

Content:

The first part of the module takes a historical and comparative view of state responses to various types of terrorism acts from the 1960s to the present day. Students explore what has been expected from and required of state counter-terrorism and how various reforms to the ability and capacity to respond effectively have helped shape the current situation. It also reflects upon the public images of counter-terrorism that have arisen and their influence.

The second part of the module examines the contemporary challenges for state security operations and the range of activities that the state is expected to sustain, from surveillance; border agency checks; sharing intelligence; role profiling; detention on suspicion; and, since 2005, the broader 'responsibility to protect'(R2P). This diversifying portfolio of activities, each becoming increasingly specialised, poses challenges in relation to state budgets and ethical notions about dignity and human rights.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will be taught through a combination of seminars and workshops. Lecture material will be pre-recorded and placed on the VLE in advance of the relevant seminars, which will focus on student-led development towards the two assessment points. There will be opportunities for regular formative feedback through the workshops sessions.

Seminars/workshops
Hours: 32
Intended Group Size: 50

Guided independent study
Hours: 168

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 - Case Study: the case study will be selected from a range of terrorism acts pre-9/11. The case study form of assessment has been chosen for its ability to synthesise practical, professional, and academic viewpoints.
Assessment 2 - Group Presentation: the topic will be selected from post-9/11 examples of counter-terrorism with guidance on selecting more recent examples, so as to evaluate the contemporary situation.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Nathan Uglow
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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