Insegnamento a.a. 2017-2018

30485 - CURRENT POLITICAL PHENOMENA II


BIG

Department of Social and Political Sciences

Course taught in English

Go to class group/s: 31
BIG (3 credits - II sem. - OBS  |  SPS/04)
Course Director:
LIVIO DI LONARDO

Classes: 31 (II sem.)
Instructors:
Class 31: LIVIO DI LONARDO


Course Objectives

This workshop provides an introduction to the study of terrorism and counterterrorism and to the critical questions related to these phenomena. The primary objectives of the course are to:

  • Understand what terrorism is.
  • Present leading theories and concepts for understanding terrorist behavior.
  • Critically assess the pros and cons of different counterterrorism approaches.
  • Apply these theories and concepts to analyze and better understand current terrorist trends.

Course Content Summary

  • What is terrorism.
  • Causes of terrorism.
  • Strategies of terrorism.
  • Effectiveness of terrorism.
  • Terrorism nand democracy.
  • Terrorism and the media.
  • State sponsorship of terrorism.
  • Longevity of terrorist groups.
  • Effectiveness of the main counterterrorism strategies.
  • Normative aspects of counterterrorism policies.

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Students are required to take a written exam, at the end of the course and to deliver a group presentation (details are provided at the beginning of the course).

Class participation counts towards the final grade.


Textbooks

  • B. HOFFMAN, Inside Terrorism, Columbia University Press, 2006, 2nd edition.
  • Most of the course is based on scientific articles and/or op-eds.

A complete list of mandatory readings is provided at the beginning of the course.


Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Prerequisites

None
Last change 14/04/2017 09:00