Admission requirements
This course is part of the minor Global Affairs and can thus only be followed as part of this minor. The minor is for bachelor students who have obtained their ‘propedeuse’ and have an interest in global affairs. The level of teaching is most suitable for third-year students, particularly of Political Science, Public Administration, Law and International Studies. For any questions about admission to this course and the minor Global Affairs, do not hesitate to send an email to globalaffairs@cdh.leidenuniv.nl.
Students who have already completed the Coursera MOOC “Terrorism and Counterterrorism. Comparing Theory & Practice” are still encouraged to enroll. Note that attendance during the lectures and completing all the class assignments is obligatory to pass this regular course.
Description
Terrorism has arguable been one of the defining factors of our age. It frequently makes headlines, threatening or attacking governments, private businesses and ordinary citizens. In many parts of the world, it has even been one of the most prominent threats to peace, security and stability. But what does this mean exactly? What is the precise nature of this threat? Who or what is threatened, how, by whom and why? How can the impact of terrorism on society be limited and counteracted? These and many more questions will be addressed during the course.
Course objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
explain the notion of terrorism as an instrument to achieve certain goals
describe and discuss the difficulties and importance of definitions of terrorism
outline the most prominent studies on terrorism
use theoretical notions and practical examples to demonstrate an understanding of critiques to counterterrorism as well as the essence of terrorism.
Timetable
On the Global Affairs frontpage of the E-guide you will find a link to the timetable.
Mode of instruction
This course will employ a flipped classroom methodology, which entails students studying a series of video lectures with in-video quizzes at home as preparation for the classes. Each of these videos will focus on a specific core question within terrorism studies. Furthermore, the class sessions will consist of class discussions and guest lectures.
Class format:
Opening lecture together with the minor Security, Safety and Justice
Weekly video lectures on Coursera
Two workshops in smaller groups together with the minor Security, Safety and Justice
Final symposium together with the minor Security, Safety and Justice
Attendance during the opening lecture, two workshops and final symposium is compulsory. An extra assignment needs to be completed when missing class.
Course Load
The total study load for this course is 140 hours, consisting of:
12 hours lectures and seminars
7 hours videos
121 hours studying – work on assignments
Assessment method
Midterm assignment 1 (20%)
Midterm assignment 2 (20%)
Final exam (60%)
Please note: Students are obliged to prepare a question for the final symposium.
The grades for midterm assignment 1 and 2 can be compensated by the final exam. In order to pass the course, you need to pass the final exam.
The re-sit will take the same form.
You can find more information about date and location assessments in the timetable.
Details for submitting papers (deadlines) are posted on Blackboard.
On the Global Affairs frontpage of the E-guide you will find a link to the timetable, uSis and Blackboard.
Resit
Students will be permitted to resit an examination if they have taken the first sit and have a mark lower than 5.5 or with permission of the Board of Examiners.
Resit written exam
Students that want to take part in a resit for a written exam, are required to register via uSis. Use the activity number that can be found on the ‘timetable exams’.
Blackboard
Yes – But most of the content is on the Coursera platform
Reading list
Edwin Bakker, Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory & Practice (Leiden University Press, 2015) [forthcoming]
Additional articles on current affairs relating to terrorism & counterterrorism: t.b.d.
Registration
Use both uSis and Blackboard to register for every course.
Register for every course and workgroup via uSis. In uSis you can access your personal schedule and view your results. Registration in uSis is possible from four weeks before the start of the course.
Also register for every course in Blackboard. Important information about the course is posted here.
Contact information
Remarks
This course is part of both the minor SSJ and that of the minor Global Affairs; lectures are combined.
Students who have already completed the Coursera MOOC “Terrorism and Counterterrorism. Comparing Theory & Practice” are still encouraged to enroll. Note that attendance during the lectures and completing all the class assignments is obligatory to pass this regular course.