Terrorism in Modern Conflict

Subject 672-301 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 points of first year history.
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

Contact

Erica Mehrtens
Phone: x45953
Subject Overview: This subject will analyse the historical significance of '9/11' and the Bali bombing. Students will look at attempts to define and deal with 'terrorism' in the context of conflict in the Middle East, Northern Ireland, Chechnya, Sri Lanka and the post-September 11 'war on terror'. There will be an emphasis on the ways in which terror has been developed as a weapon of attack and used by state and non-state actors as a central element of modern conflict. What is the difference between national and global terrorism? How do local conflicts enter the theatre of world politics in the contemporary period? What is the role of the mass media in this process? Students will be encouraged to investigate these questions in a variety of modern historical contexts.
Objectives:
  • gain an improved understanding of the factors contributing to the spread of terrorism in the past;
  • be able to recognize and explain the nature of the action of all participants in these problems;
  • comprehend the events of 11 September and the Bali bombing in terms of the history of terror and counter terror.
Assessment: A reflective essay of 2000 words 45% (due mid-semester), a research assignment of 2000 words 45% (due at the end of semester) and class participation 10%.
Prescribed Texts:
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;
  • show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;
  • demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument;
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: History Major

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