Terrorism: Shifting Paradigms

Subject 672-388 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 points of first-year subjects in Sociology, Political Science or related discipline.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

to be advised
Subject Overview:

Through case studies and theoretical analyses, this subject examines social processes involved in the rise, decline and transformation of different forms of terrorism, with particular reference to the student movement (Red Brigade, Weathermen); national movements (ETA, PLO); communitarian terrorism (Hezbollah, Hamas); populist terrorism (American Militias); narcoterrorism (Sendero Luminoso); sects and terrorism (Aum Shinrikyo); the shift from 'international' to global terrorism (deterritorialised/diasporic networks - Al Qaeda). The subject explores theoretical approaches to changing paradigms of terrorism; the privatisation and deterritorialisation of violence; secrecy, the sacred and the social; forms of subjectivity evident in emerging martyrdom terrorism; violence as communication; the relationship between terrorism and religious and fundamentalist movements; the role of criminal networks and the media; the relationship between terrorism, modernity and globalisation. The subject examines what, if anything, the different terrorist projects explored have in common. On completion students should have an understanding of key dimensions of contemporary terrorism, in particular as both a product of and generator of contemporary globalisation.

Assessment: Analysis/presentation of primary source material of 1000 words 25% (due early in semester), a class test of 1000 words 25% (due at the end of semester) and a research essay of 2000 words 50% (due during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • demonstrate critical thinking and analytic skills, through research and written communication;

  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, both orally and in writing;

  • display awareness and understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research and of our place as researchers.

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