POL41910 Political Violence

Academic Year 2021/2022

Why do individuals pick up arms against their states? What explains the rise of violent groups, such as ISIS? Why do states go to war against each other? This module introduces the study of political violence. We will cover numerous subjects, including the question why political violence occurs, how it is applied by state and non-state actors, as well as its dynamics and effects. To explore these subjects, we will discuss various types of political violence, such as terrorism, civil war, inter-state war, automated warfare, and state repression. By the end of the module, you will have a broad overview of key issues in the study of political violence. Studying research through which major theories on political violence have been developed, you will have also deepened your understanding of the scientific method.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should:
- have systematic knowledge of debates on political violence, and understand their underlying theories
- critically discuss key aspects of political violence, taking into account opposing arguments
- critically evaluate theories on political violence, and the key concepts they involve
- apply theories and concepts to contemporary occurrences of political violence

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

200
Total

224
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures; critical writing; reflective learning; student presentations

In the fall of 2020, all module components will be moved online due to the Covid crisis. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Final paper based on coursework Unspecified n/a Graded Yes

50
Continuous Assessment: essay writing Unspecified n/a Graded Yes

50

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

We will discuss writing assignments in class (before and after the deadlines).