Module Code - Title:

PO4088 - INTRODUCTION TO TERRORISM AND VIOLENT POLITICAL EXTREMISM

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

0

Credits

6

Grading Type:

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

This rationale and purpose of this module is to introduce students to a number of key issues and policy responses within the realm of international terrorism and violent extremism. The module will cover a variety of different typologies including state-sponsored terrorism, separatist groups, far-right, single-issue, and violent jihadis.

Syllabus:

The module will first explore the key debate surrounding definition(s) of terrorism(s) and follow through with analysis of various typologies including state-sponsored terrorism, separatist groups, far-right, single-issue, and violent jihadis. Throughout the module, students will be expected to critically analyse each case, exploring the underlying ideologies, developments over time and state responses. Groups covered will include al Qaeda, Hizbollah, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), ETA, GAL, violent dissident Republicans and the Far-Right.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Describe some of the major historical and contemporary debates surrounding international terrorism, violent political extremism and policy responses to such extremist activities. Critically evaluate the various ideological positions of the various groups analysed along with the state responses. Apply the methods of normative reasoning and conceptual analysis to contemporary political controversies. Compare rival political views of violent political extremism and related issues. Assess the relevance of International Relations theory for understanding terrorism and violent political extremism. Present logical arguments about abstract ideas in both verbal and written forms.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Demonstrate an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of various political views and policy responses.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Exposure to cutting-edge research and insight into political dilemmas related to the responses to violent political extremism.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Exposure to cutting-edge research methods to study violent political extremism and processes of violent radicalisation.

Prime Texts:

Lutz, J.M. and Lutz, B.J. (2004) Global Terrorism , London: Routledge.

Nacos, B. (2006) Terrorism and Counterterrorism , New York: Penguin Academics

Other Relevant Texts:

Hoffman, B. (2006) Inside Terrorism , New York: Columbia University Press.

Horgan, J. and Braddock, K. (2011) Terrorism Studies: A Reader. , Abingdon: Routledge.

Schmid, A. (2011) The Routledge Handbook of Terrorism Research: Research, Theories and Concepts. , Abingdon: Routledge.

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Module Leader:

jonathan.arlow@ul.ie