HIST2043 Terrorism and Society: From the Reign of Terror to Al Qaeda

You are viewing an older version of this curriculum item. Select the current year or your commencing year of study from the drop down above. For Pre-2022 Course Rules, use the link located on the right-hand side of the screen.

Overview

Terrorism defines our age. This topic aims to provide a critical understanding of the nature and development of terrorism from the French Reign of Terror to Al Qaeda, and how terrorism impacts and is impacted by societies. The topic will cover the debates around the origins and explanations of terrorism, the various types of terror, such as state and non-state terror, the factors contributing to the logic/justifications of terror and the methods of terror. Case studies will look at different categories of terrorism: revolutionary terrorism, nationalist terrorism, anti-colonial terrorism, left and right wing extremist terrorism, and state terrorism. The fundamental questions this topic seeks to address are: who is a terrorist? What engenders terrorism? What are the differences between state and group based terrorism? How have perceptions of terrorism changed? This topic will explore the continuities and transformations, the justifications and the criticisms, and the representation (on film), where possible, in the histories of terrorism since the French Reign of Terror.

Topic availabilities

To view topic availabilities, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Tuition pattern

To view tuition patterns, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Aims

This topic aims to:

Understand the interrelatedness of terrorism and society in World history since the French Reign of Terror
Compare the characteristics of group terrorism and state terror in World history
Appreciate the value of feature films and documentaries to historical understanding
Further students' experience with a variety of historical sources and develop their skills of evaluating these sources to form arguments
Develop further students' communication skills (written and oral; informal and formal)
Foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation that encourages students to develop independent and critical thinking and as collaborative learners

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

Discuss in both critical and compartive terms the evolution of terrorism in World history since the French Reign of Terror

Analyse a range of secondary and primary readings and sources, including films, assessing the value of this material in terms of argument, research and authenticity (as regards film)

Develop the ability to use their knowledge to plan, analyse, think critically, reflect upon and evaluate ideas, options and decisions both independently and collaboratively to meet the prescribed deadlines and activities

Explain your awareness of ethical issues related to the field of history generally and specifically in relation to terrorism and political violence

Apply effective oral and written communication skills so as to write/present properly structured, clearly argued, fluently expressed essays and oral presentations

Assessments

To view assessment information, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Requisites information

Anti-requisites:

Handbook

Terrorism and Society: From the Reign of Terror to Al Qaeda

HIST2043