Sociology and Criminology

Critical Perspectives on Terrorism

Module code: L4110B
Level 6
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

On this module, you’ll investigate critical perspectives on terrorism. You’ll explore a range of important theories from across disciplines, including:

• terrorism studies
• sociology
• criminology
• social psychology.

You’ll draw on established and emerging primary research to examine:

• contemporary issues within the study of terrorism
• the meaning of radicalisation
• how and why people become radicalised 
• the relationship between petty criminals and terrorists within the ‘new crime-terror nexus’
• the existential attractions of violent extremism
• the use of the internet by terrorists and how we can disrupt them
• counter-terrorism approaches and policy.

The topics will be updated every year to reflect important developments in the field.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach, through the use of theoretical concepts and empirical evidence, to examine the concept of terrorism, and how and why some people become terrorists.
• Develop and sustain theoretical and conceptual arguments pertaining to critical perspectives on terrorism.
• Demonstrate a detail knowledge and systematic understanding of relevant contemporary and established research in this area, including an appraisal of its limits, ambiguities, and uncertainties.
• Recognise, and be able to discuss key arguments around the definitional complexities of key terms covered in the module, such as 'terrorism', 'extremism', and 'radicalisation'.