Course Catalogue

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After 9/11, the study of terrorism shot from a relatively niche activity to a top national priority for many governments trying to find out why people become terrorists, why it endures and how to defeat it. Yet the phenomenon of political violence is a tactic as old as warfare itself and answers to these questions remain elusive. This course will examine the history of modern terrorism; its methods, motives, aims and state responses stretching from its origins in the wake of the French Revolution (when the 'infernal machine' of 'terrorism' is first labelled), through the anarchists of the 1880s and 1890s to the left- and right-wing clashes of the twentieth century and the multinational operations of Islamic groups today. Guided by talks from our expert tutor and discussion with classmates, students will have the opportunity to examine primary sources from these events and evaluate conflicting historical perspectives to understand better how modern terrorism relentlessly evolved while still caught in the old cliché that 'one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter'.

2 hours per week for 10 weeks

For timetable details, please see our web pages University of Glasgow - Study - Short courses

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Assessment one:

One 1,500 word essay comparing terrorist movements and definitions covered by the course with reference to both primary source materials and secondary historical interpretations (75% of the final grade)

Assessment two:

Choose one of the following options:

■ A 500-word written commentary

■ A 5 min presentation (recorded in advance or as delivered)

■ Or a 1-page (500 word) poster

explaining the motives, aims and methods of one key movement covered by the course, and the state response it provoked (25% of the final grade)

This course aims to:

■ Provide students with a comparative overview of the history of terrorism from the French Revolution through to the present day, including the methods, motives, aims and state responses of some key movements.

■ Compare different definitions of terrorism over time and introduce key political concepts and theories concerning the nature of dissent and terrorism.

■ Provide an opportunity for students to engage with both primary source materials and secondary historical interpretations of these movements.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify and compare some key terrorist movements from the French Revolution through to the present day, including their methods, motives, aims and state responses.

■ Recognise some of the differing definitions of terrorism applied to these groups and apply some of the key political concepts and theories concerning the nature of terrorism to compare them.

■ Analyse and evaluate some primary source materials and secondary historical interpretations relevant to these events.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.